










bV 




»> , ^ "^^ '^^^y^!^ 






' .0 



'-^0 






^U.r.'i 











0' 



." -N 





Historical Records of a Hundred 
and T^venty Years 

AUBURN, N. Y. 

By JOEL H. MONROE 



NINETEEN HUNDRED THIRTEEN 



.A7M7 



^X X4,v-^ 



W. F. HUMPHREY, PRINTER. GENEVA, N. Y. 



Preface 




]HE pages of this volume, the writer beUeves, 
present a complete and reliable History of 
Auburn. Its completeness of detail, how- 
ever, is due in great measure to the earnest 
and cordial aid rendered by many interested people of 
the city. The writer, therefore, wishes to express 
here his appreciation and thanks for this valuable help. 
Effort has been made to produce a faithful historical 
record of Auburn from 1793 to 1913. If it contains errors 
they will be found to be of such nature, it is believed, 
as not to effect the value of the work. 

Auburn, N. F., 

September 10, WIS. 



Table of Contents 



Aurelius, Town of 27 

Auburn Academy 40 

Auburn Pub. Schools 43 

Auburn House 64 

American Hotel 65 

Allen, Isaac S 126 

Auburn Theological Seminary. .132 

Auburn Med. College ..138 

Avery, Edward H 141 

Auburn Savings Bank 151 

Auburn City Nat. Bank 155 

Auburn Exchange Nat. Bank . . . 155 

Auburn Trust Co 156 

Auburn College 161 

Auburn & Syracuse R. R 162 

Auburn & Rochester R. R 163 

Auburn & Lansing R. R 166 

Auburn a City 180 

Auburn Gas Light Co 185 

Auburn Water Works Co 186 

Auburn Tract Depository 188 

Auburn Garden, The 200 

Auburn in the Civil War 206 

Asylum for Destitute Children. .246 
Auburn City Hospital 246 

Brinkerhoff , Martina 16 

Bostwick, William 19 

Burt, Dr. Hackaliah 24 

Bennett School 34 

Brainard, Rev. James, D.D. ... 81 

Book PubHshers 125 

Blatchford, Hon. Samuel 139 

Bank of Auburn 145 

Barber, Josiah 167 

Beardsley, Nelson 174 

Bronson, ParHment 199 

Barker, Justin L 239 

Beardsley, Wm. C 241 

Bus. Men's Ass'n 244 

Beecher, Willis J., D.D 256 

Beardsley, Alonzo G 261 

Center House, The 61 

County Seat 70 



Churches, Early and Late 76 

Central Presbyterian 91 

Cumpston, John H 109 

Cayuga Co. Nat. Bank 150 

Cayuga Co. Savings Bank 153 

Chase, Capt. Geo. B 169 

Coffin, Capt. Joshua 170 

Chedell, Gen. John H 176 

Cook, Horace T 178 

City Clerks 181 

Court of Thousand Judges 182 

Case, Erastus 191 

Clapp, Emerous D 194 

Clark, Gen. John S 221 

Civil War Generals 226 

Cayuga Co. Hist. Society 230 

Cheesman, William S., M.D. . . .259 

Dwight, Hon. Chas. C 219 

Dill, Robert 67 

Early Taverns 59 

First Mill, The 15 

First Town Meeting 28 

Female Seminary 36 

Fourth of July, 1804 69 

First Presbyterian Church 83 

First M. E. Church 93 

First Bap. Church 96 

First Bible Society 131 

First Sunday School 131 

Fitch, Abijah 136 

First Nat. Bank 155 

Fire of 1837 162 

Fort Hill Cemetery 186 

Flagler, Isaac V 251 

Garrow, Nathaniel 53 

Griswold, F. L 238 

Hardenbergh Corners 11 

Hardenbergh, John L 12 

Hardenbergh, John L., Children 
of 55 



Table of Contents 



Hunter Tavern 66 

Hughes, Peter, County Clerk ... 72 
Hawley, Rev. Charles, D.D. ... 85 
Hubbard, Rev. Wm. H., D.D . . . 86 

Holy Family Church 102 

Hayden, Peter R 166 

Kurd, Hon. John M 173 

Howland, Horace V 194 

Hall, Hon. Benj. F 196 

Hack, First PubHc 199 

Home Incident Civil War 225 

Home, The 245 

Incorporation of Village Ill 

Institutions of Auburn 244 

Ives, Rev. Benoni I., D.D 254 

Industries 268 

Kossuth, Louis 189 

Knapp, Gen. John N 223 

Logan 8 

Lafayette, Gen. Visit 158 

Miller, Hon. Elijah 48 

Muir, Robert 58 

Merriman, Corydon B 149 

Martha Washington Society . . . 172 

Mavors of Auburn 180 

Miller, Adam 182 

Morgan, Hon. Christopher 197 

MacDougall, Gen. Clinton D. .213 
Merchants Union Express Co. .229 

Meyers, Michael M 240 

Music in Auburn 249 

Municipality, The 278 

Newspapers 116 

Osco Village 8 

Olmsted, Noah 22 

Owasco Canal 137 

Oswego Starch Factory 183 

Osborne, D. M 234 

Osborne, John H 262 

O'Brien, John W 265 



Paper Mills 159 

Postmasters of Auburn 182 

Popple, Professor. . 202 

Pullman, Geo. M 227 

Porter, Hon. John 263 

Pomeroy, Hon. Theodore M 263 

Richardson, Col. John 51 

Richardson, Hon. Joseph L. . . .138 

Rathbun, Hon. George 140 

Rathbun, George O 141 

Rude, Alvah 203 

Representatives Congress 227 

Ross, Elmore P 240 

Schools, 1796-1913 31 

Springside School 55 

Sand Beach Church 76 

St. Peter's Church 78 

St. John's Church 82 

Second Presbyterian Church. . . 90 

Second Baptist Church 98 

St. Mary's Church 104 

Steel, Dr. Richard 142 

Seymour, Jas. S 148 

Seward, W. H. & Co 152 

Southern Central R. R 164 

Swain, Capt. William 168 

Soule, Lyman 182 

Seward, Gen. W. H 216 

Segoine, Col. Jesse 222 

Stewart, Col. Chas. H 223 

Stone, Henry M 225 

Seward, Hon. Wm. H 230 

Storke, Lauens J 238 

Sunnycrest Hospital 248 

State Armory 248 

Seymour Library 251 

Seward Monument 253 

Searing, Hon. Adolphus H 260 

Shimer, Anthony .....' 266 

Throop, Hon. Enos 1 73 

Trinity M. E. Church 75 



Table of Contents 



Universalist Church 100 

Underwood, George 114 

Village Presidents 112 

Western Exchange Hotel 60 

Wright, David 141 

Wheeler, Cyrenus, Jr 231 



Woodruff, Harmon 236 

Willard, Sylvester, M.D 242 

Woman's Union 246 

Wheeler Rifles [[ *252 

Wilcox, Benj. M 265 

Young Men's Christian Ass'n. .248 




Historical Records of a Hundred 
and Twenty Years 



CHAPTER I 

OSCO VILLAGE AND HARDENBERGH CORNERS 

JOWARD the close of the eighteenth century, 
when the western horizon of civiHzation 
dropped down across the middle of the 
Empire State and nearly all the vast 
stretch of territory lying west of this line 
was the domain of the Indian, Osco village was seated 
in undisputed sovereignty on the bank of the Owasco 
outlet, where the prison is now located and in the heart 
of the present city of Auburn. This village comprised 
a little huddle of bark huts which was the abiding place 
of a small band of the Cayuga tribe. 

Osco village, it so happened, was situated midway 
between two great Indian capitals, that of the Onondagas 
on the east and the Senecas on the west. The Onondagas 
were the religionists, the orators, the diplomatists of 
the confederacy, while the Senecas were the warriors, 
distinguished for their astuteness and deeds of valor. 

Here the Cayugas were wont to come and go, and 
here in this village, in the later years of the eighteenth 
century, a few of them dwelt in the inspiring shadow of 
the stately and picturesque Fort Hill, which rises to a 



8 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

height of more than one hundred feet, and richly clothed 
with sward and foliage. 

To the Cayugas Fort Hill, or Osco, was hallowed 
ground. They had wet the soil with their blood when 
they wrested it from trespassers, the Alleghans, more 
than six hundred years ago. The Alleghans, a strong 
nation, came from the southwest in the latter part of the 
twelfth century, it is said, and by force of arms occupied 
this strategic point and they continued in possession 
until about 1310. The Alleghans, according to researchers 
in Indian history, constructed the forts, the ramparts 
and the various other fortifications which crowned the 
hill. They also established the sacrificial mound upon 
the apex of the hill where now stands the somber and im- 
pressive monument to the illustrious Logan, the tried 
and true friend of the white man. 

About 1310, it is stated, the Iroquois forced the Al- 
leghans to evacuate the village of Osco, or Fort AUeghan, 
as it was later known, and also to quit the country. 
From that time on until about the close of the War of the 
Revolution Osco on the hill was an imperial city and was 
occupied by the Cayugas, and the fortification served 
them through many turbulent conflicts with other nations. 
It was the dwelling place of the senators, the chieftains, 
and the sachems of the nation. It was the birth place, 
too, it is said, of Logan the orator, the diplomatist, the 
master spirit for universal peace. 

Logan's father, Shekellimus, was one of the chieftains 
of the Cayuga nation and dwelt at Osco. About the 
year 1730 he, with his family, migrated from Osco and 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 9 

joined another wing of the Cayugas then living across 
the border in Pennsylvania. Logan, then a young man, 
accompanied the family to the new country and there 
through the influence of the Moravian missionaries and 
William Penn, the founder of the State of Pennsylvania, 
became a Christian and was widely celebrated for his 
labors in the cause of peace and the uplift of his people. 
Shekellimus, the father, died in 1749 and in 1774 the 
other members of Shekellimus family, together with 
Logan's family — for he had meantime married the 
daughter of a Cayuga senator — migrated to the Ohio 
valley, where they were all slain by the whites. This 
act of inhumanity and disregard of his steadfast friend- 
ship so shocked and roused Logan that he plunged into a 
war of retaliation and revenge. It was at the peace 
convention at the close of this bloody war that Logan 
delivered that masterpiece of oratory which ranks along 
with the memorable speech of President Lincoln at 
Gettysburg. The address closed with the following terse 
sentences: "Logan never felt fear. He will not turn 
on his heel to save his life. Who is there to mourn for 
Logan? Not one!" 

The climax of the treachery and inhumanity of the 
whites came a little later when Logan himself, then an 
old man, was slain while on his way back to his native 
village, Osco. The rugged old native stone monument 
erected in 1852 and bearing the heartbroken cry "Who is 
there to mourn for Logan?" fittingly typifies the character 
of the man and commemorates the tragedy of his life. 



10 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

The War of the Revolution had closed in 1783 and the 
poor Indian knew not its cause; nor did he comprehend 
that, as a result of its outcome, he was to be practically 
despoiled of his landed birthright. Untrained in values 
and units as they enter into the making of dollars he, at 
the convention of 1789 and later ones, for a petty sum, 
sold and treatied himself out of ownership and possession 
of nearly all the land comprising the western half of the 
State of New York. 

The course of empire, following this event, was slowly 
making its way westward, the trail— the only means of 
land travel — being dotted at long intervals along the 
way by the cabins of the intrepid pioneers as they stopped 
to locate and establish homes. In 1780 there was scarcely 
a settler west of Schenectady; in 1785 there was not 
more than one cabin at Fort Schuyler, now Utica, and 
west of this point few white men, other than soldiers, 
had yet penetrated. By 1789 the State had got in pos- 
session of a vast domain and was parcelling out the 
land to speculators who in turn were selling it to pioneers 
and homekeepers. Some sections were set apart as 
military tracts, which were subdivided into lots of six 
hundred acres each. These lots were given to soldiers 
as compensation for their services in the War of the 
Revolution. But only a small part of these grants were 
ever occupied by the grantees. They were mostly sold 
to speculators. Each of these lots, as above stated, 
contained six hundred acres and so it is that Auburn 
occupies six of these military lots. 




COL. JOHN LEONARD HARDENBERGH 

Founder of Auburn. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 11 

By the year 1790 the trail had become a much traveled 
thoroughfare. It had been widened from time to time 
nostly by gratuitous labor in order to render easier the 
massage of the stream of homeseekers who were rapidly 
)ushing into the new country. It was 1793, however, 
)efore any permanent settlement was effected on the 
lite of Auburn. The objective point prior to this seemed 
,0 have been still further west, therefore, several places 
n this direction had been established and gained sub- 
;tantial headway before the first settler erected a cabin 
ipon the site of the present City Hall. 

The land comprising the city of iVuburn was not an 
ittractive spot. It was shadowed everywhere with 
iense and almost impenetrable forest. Pools of water 
md quagmire abounded on everj^ hand, while the 
lorth section sloped off into a prolific cranberry 
narsh. Wh}^ the stakes for a future city should have 
)een set in such a section, except for one reason, is be- 
ionA the divining power of mortals, while the land lake- 
^^ard afforded a site of almost unequalled attraction. 
But the keen pioneer plainly knew his ground and builded 
w^W. The swift flowing Owasco outlet with its many 
'alls, cascades and the possibilities in water power ap- 
pealed to the matured business instinct of Col. John 
Leonard Hardenbergh when he chose the lower land along 
the stream for the building of his village and town. Yet 
it is true that out of and on this unattractive and then 
unsanitary spot a handsome and attractive city has grown 
Lip. 



12 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

It was 1793 when Col. Hardenbergh pushed his way 
into the dense forest and erected the first log cabin on 
the site of Auburn. He was not a stranger to the section, 
however, for among his many accomplishments Col. 
Hardenbergh was a surveyor. For several years he had 
been engaged with Simeon Dewitt, the Surveyor General, 
in the western part of the State in laying out and estab- 
lishing townships. The township of Aurelius as first 
established and in which Auburn was founded, covered a 
vast area of territory. It was ten miles square and 
included besides Auburn the present towns of Fleming, 
Owasco, Sennett and Throop. It was a military town- 
ship, and as previously stated, after being subdivided into 
lots of six hundred acres each, passed to those who had 
served in the Revolutionary War. 

Col. Hardenbergh served with distinction in the war; 
was commissioned as a captain and was with Gen. Sulli- 
van in the memorable raid on the Indians in the Genesee 
country in 1779. Soon after the close of the war he 
resumed his professional work for the government, when 
the title to the land had passed to the State. He had 
himself surveyed the land, six hundred acres, which he 
afterward selected for the founding of his village and city. 
This lot had been sold by the grantee to Martin and Josiah 
Ogden Hoffman, of New York, from whom Col. Harden- 
bergh purchased it for one hundred and eighty pounds. 

COL. JOHN L. HARDENBERGH 

Col. Hardenbergh was of Holland Dutch descent and 
it is said, that some of his ancestors were distinguished 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 13 

in statesmanship and military affairs in their country. 
The Colonel, however, was a native of Rosendale, Ulster 
County, N. Y., where he was born in 1746. He was 
therefore, 47 years of age when he cast his lot on the 
bank of the Owasco outlet and founded the town which 
no doubt has grown into a city far beyond his rashest 
dream. Col. Hardenbergh possessed the qualities of a 
useful pioneer; he was constructive, upbuilding, coura- 
geous and honest. 

It was in the early part of the summer 1793 that Col. 
Hardenbergh, accompanied by Harry and Kate Freeman, 
two colored slaves, followed the trail into the forest and 
began the erection of the first log cabin in the proposed 
village. He had for neighbors the little colony of Indians 
then living at Owasco village, a few rods down the river. 
At this village there was a crossing, it is said, constructed 
of stones covered with bark, being the only place from 
the lake to the mouth of the river where dry passage across 
was possible. He was now in a new country and in the 
midst of a dense forest, with no roof to shelter him at 
night except the great canopy overhead. So he, with 
his two colored slaves, for several nights slept upon the 
most hospitable ground available, the chief concern 
being to select a dry spot. Col. Hardenbergh is said to 
have been a man of large stature and robust physique, 
possessing in addition a dominant spirit of progress and 
an ambition to build and achieve. An immediate move 
was made for the building of a log cabin. This was 
located on ground at the rear of the present City Hall. 
There happened to be a settler near Owasco lake, Gilbert 



14 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Goodrich, who was at once employed to build the log 
house, while Col. Hardenbergh and his colored com- 
panions set about clearing the grounds and felling treeS; 
in order to get warmth and sunlight. The typical 
pioneer's house was soon erected and the scanty, rude 
furnishings placed therein. There was no stove, na 
means of cooking, except a "mock" fireplace crudely 
constructed with no chimney, merely a "smokehole" 
through the roof for the passage of the smoke. But the 
building of this first log cabin signalized the founding of 
a city in a country where the smoke from the chimney 
of a white man's home had never ascended. 

According to the most authentic information Col. 
John L. Hardenbergh was still a bachelor, although 47 
years of age. In consideration of his services for the 
Government in the War of the Revolution, he had been 
granted land in what is now Onondaga county. This 
he sold in order to secure lot No. 47 along the OwascQ 
outlet which, when surveying it a short time before, 
seemed to suggest to him the possibilities of great achieve- 
ment. Col. Hardenbergh's cabin from this time on was 
the haven for new arrivals and travelers along the trail. 
The main ancient trail from the east to the west passed 
near the foot of Owasco lake, thence down the outlet 
intersecting Genesee street at the head of the present 
North street. Trails ran from the lake on both sides of 
the outlet, however, and continued on northward beyond 
the settlement to Montezuma. 

The banks of the Owasco outlet, apparently at some 
ancient time were the scene of a battle, or perhaps many 




THE OLD ELEAZER HUNTER TAVERN 
Erected 1798, East Genesee Street. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 15 

of them, for the Indian spoke of it as the "place where 
men were killed." The battle ground in early Indian 
wars in the immediate vicinity was not alone at Osco 
village, now Fort Hill; it probably was too strongly 
fortified for successful attack. But the Indians were 
not unfriendly to the white men. The few that were still 
present fished and hunted as was their custom and sought 
as much as possible to live on terms of amity with the 
new race. Drink, of which they knew nothing before 
the country of the "civilized" whites, aggravated their 
misery, and robbed them of their long standing virtue of 
sobriety. 

So soon as the log cabin was completed and put in 
livable condition, Col. Hardenbergh set about the work 
of utilizing the water power of the outlet. Some means 
of grinding corn, other than by the usual poineer's spring- 
pole and hollo wed-out stump, was the urgent need. For 
this work he engaged the services of Thomas Morley, 
another settler in the lake region, and they together built 
a log dam across the outlet. This finally completed, 
he contracted with Eldad Steel and Captain Edward 
Wheeler for the building of a "gig" mill near the new 
dam, the mill to have one run of stone, with the capacity 
of twelve bushels of corn a day. This mill was on the 
site of the present Lewis and Brister mill on Genesee 
street east of the outlet. 

The gig mill served the community until 1802, doing 
a prosperous business as the number of settlers in the 
village and the outlying sections increased from year to 
year. But by the year above named the capacity of the 



16 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

little mill became inadequate and so a new frame mill was 
erected which trebled the grinding capacity, and the 
year following it was still further increased to a mill of 
the capacity of one hundred and thirty bushels a day. 
About 1824 a stone mill was erected on the site and is 
still in operation. But the original mill was the only 
one of the kind then within a radius of many miles. The 
Hardenbergh mill, in consequence, was very much of a 
focal point for various members of the pioneer families 
dwelling in and around the young village. 

It was not unusual in those early days that the taking 
of the grist to the mill was delegated to some female 
member of the pioneer household. Among the early 
settlers along Owasco lake was a family by the name of 
Brinkerhof. There was in this family a daughter, 
Martina, a handsome young woman, it is said, with many 
estimable qualities. It often fell to her to go to the mill. 
There being then no defined highway, she, like others, 
went on horseback, carrying the grist beside her on the 
horse's back. It was quite the custom, too, to wait at 
the mill for the grist, so it was that while the Brinkerhof! 
grist was rattling through the hopper the Colonel courted 
the fair Martina. Thus it came about that they were 
married in 1796. Col. Hardenbergh was then 50, and 
his bride 23. In 1798 their son, John H. Hardenbergh 
was born, and in 1800 there was born to them a daughter, 
Maria. Soon after his marriage Mr. Hardenbergh 
erected a frame dwelling on the site of his log cabin. 
This new home afforded all the comforts found in a pioneer 
home. The settlement had already become known as 



> 
> 



M O 




HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 17 

Hardenbergh Corners and so continued until the year 
of 1905. Meanwhile, the clearing away of the forest* 
especially in the lower section, was pushed along^ith 
great vigor, thus admitting the air and sunlight upon an 
otherwise unhealthy and uninviting section of the settle- 
ment. By the year 1796 other mills other than the 
Hardenbergh grist mill were locating along the stream 
for the making of various commodities. Col. Harden- 
bergh controlled nearly all the water privileges along 
the Outlet. These developed into a valuable property 
during the succeeding year. 

The section around the lake had a colony of settlers 
that was contemporary with the settlement of Col. 
Hardenbergh in Aurelius. Among them were RoeliflP, 
Jacob and Luke Brinkerhoff, Charles and James Vantyne, 
Philip O'Brien, Thomas and Abraham Johnson, and 
Albert Demaree, and soon thereafter David, Isaac and 
John Parsell joined that settlement. This colony of 
settlers came mostly from Pennsylvania and established 
a thrifty and prosperous community composed of excel- 
lent citizens. 

Col. Hardenbergh was joined in 1793 by Solomon 
Tibbies and Jacob Van Dorn, both having been soldiers 
in the War of the Revolution. About this time also Rev. 
David Irish, a Baptist minister, cast his lot at the Corners. 
Rev. Mr. Irish, it is said, in 1794, preached the first 
sermon ever delivered in Cayuga county. During the 
first two years the additions to the Hardenbergh settle- 
ment were not especially noteworthy. But the year 1795 
witnessed a considerable influx of settlers who became 



18 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

valuable citizens. They were Major Noah Olmsted, 
Gideon Tyler, and his family, and James O'Brien. The 
latter erected a log house directly on the site of the present 
City Hall and soon thereafter opened a general store. 
This year also marked the arrival of the first physicians 
at the Corners, namely, Dr. Samuel Crossett and Dr. 
Ellis. The following year, 1796, Samuel Bristol located 
at the Corners. He had the honor of opening the first 
hotel, a very modest log cabin, certainly with no deluxe 
apartments. A part of this log building was a store also, 
probably the first store to start business in the com- 
munity. This tavern and store built in 1796 was located 
at the corner of Genesee and North streets. Bristol ran 
the hotel and store for several years; finally sold to John 
Treat. 

So the Corners was now gradually taking on the air of a 
village. The year 1797 and 1798 brought to the village 
a number of citizens who became notable factors in the 
making and building of Auburn. These were Dr. Hacka- 
liah Burt, John Treat, above mentioned. Major Walter 
G. Nichalas, Nehemiah Smith, Daniel Hyde, and Wil- 
liam Bostwick. Mr. Bostwick bought for $750.00 one 
hundred acres of Lot 46 which, as developments pro- 
gressed brought it in the heart of the business section of 
the village and city. It lay along the present Genesee 
street, extending from South and North streets westward 
a considerable distance beyond St. Peters church. It 
early became a valuable property as the village grew and 
business institutions of various kinds were established 
along the street. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 19 

WILLIAM BOSTWICK 

Mr. Bostwick was a valuable type of citizen for Auburn 
in its early formative period. He was strong as to charac- 
ter, progressive, public spirited and had a keen business 
instinct. Mr. Bostwick was a New Englander by birth. 
He was born at Stamford, Conn., Nov. 25, 1765. Some 
years before settling in Auburn he made his way westward 
as far as Whitestown, Oneida county, but the country 
farther west attracted him and he concluded to settle 
permanently in the town of Aurelius. In 1790, while yet 
in Stamford, Mr. Bostwick was married and had a family 
of four or five children when he became a resident of 
Hardenbergh Corners. Two daughters, twins, were born 
in 1798. They had a family finally of thirteen children. 

Mr. Bostwick's first home in the settlement in 1799, 
like all the others at the time, was a log cabin which was 
situated on Genesee street about where the store No. 93 
is now located. It was a double log house with a coat 
of whitewash both inside and out. Genesee street, 
however, was by this time making some progress in 
development and upbuilding. In 1803 Mr. Bostwick 
began the construction of a more modern frame house at 
the corner of Genesee and Exchange streets. This was 
completed in 1804 and he at once opened it as a tavern, 
and continued to conduct it until 1816, when he sold the 
property to Canfield Belo Coe. This hostelry after- 
wards passed through many changes and had many 
landlords up to 1868. Upon seUing the hotel, Mr. Bost- 
wick moved to his new home at the corner of Genesee 
and James street, where he lived until his death. 



20 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

At the time of establishing the county seat and the 
erection of the county buildings, Mr. Bostwick was 
active and zealous in the interest of the growing village. 
He donated one acre of land for the buildings, the ground 
upon which they are still situated, and in other ways, 
too, was influential in securing for Auburn the distinction 
of being the capital of the county. Mr. Bostwick also 
donated the land for St. Peters church, which was erected 
first in 1812. He was, too, one of the most active pro- 
moters of the church society, and served it in various | 
capacities with great earnestness and helpfulness. 

As an evidence of his good citizenship and public spirit, 
he, in the early times, it is recorded, proposed to donate 
to the village for a public park the triangular plot of land 
bounded by Genesee, South and Exchange streets but 
the struggling village hesitated to assume the obligation, 
the reason given being that the cost of building a fence 
around it would be too great. In the light of later 
development. Auburn, unquestionably, failed to recognize 
and take advantage of an opportunity to enhance and 
beautify the city. In many other respects also did Mr. 
Bostwick manifest his good will and interest in the prog- 
ress and upbuilding of his town; his heart, energy and 
substance were devoted to these and all other good 
measures. He died June 24, 1825, and by his death 
Auburn lost an esteemed and useful citizen. 

In 1795 there was a definite movement towards the 
building of roads. There were by this time many set- 
tlers both east and west of Aurelius, or Hardenbergh 
Corners, and travel along the way had increased to a 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 21 

considerable extent. This year marked the start in the 
building of the Genesee Turnpike. The work was 
prosecuted with much energy, so that by the year 1798 
it was a fairly passable highway as far west as Canan- 
daigua. It ran from the east over Onondaga Hill and 
entered the Hardenbergh settlement by way of Franklin 
street to North, thence to Genesee. Hardenbergh 
Corners was then nearly submerged in mud and marsh. 
But as the clearing away of the forest progressed, roads in 
the immediate section were built, most of them crude 
and imperfect, of course, but any step in the direction 
of road building at all was an improvement in existing 
conditions. So the work of the road building was pushed 
along as rapidly as possible, but it was several years later 
before the roads in and about the village were more than 
a sea of mud in spring and fall. Genesee street through 
the present city was described in 1814 as being little 
better than a morass. Today it is as fine a thoroughfare 
as can be found in any city. 

Owasco street, or Owasco road, as it was known in 
early times, was surveyed and laid out in 1795 by Elijah 
Price and Zadock Grover, and the old state road to Scipio, 
now South street, was formally located at the same time. 
It was several years, however, before this highway was 
in condition for travel with any degree of comfort. Stumps 
were everywhere visible in these highways. 

Solomon Tibbies, who joined the settlement in 1794 
made the clearing for the cemetery on North street that 
year, but the first burying ground in the new community 
was at the corner of West Genesee and Washington streets. 



22 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

This was opened for burial in 1795 and it is said the first 
person buried therein was a man by the name of 
Kittle. 

In the rear of the old North street cemetery, when it 
was first laid out in 1795, there was the remains of an 
ancient Indian fort nearly as extensive and large, it is 
said, as that at Fort Hill. It covered about twenty acres 
of land and the site, like that of Fort Hill, rendered it a 
commanding position. By whom or what nation it was 
built there is no record available. Possibly this fort 
was constructed by the same race that planned and built 
the great fortress at Osco village. The plat of land for 
the North street cemetery was on the farm of Major Noah 
Olmsted, and this crude cemetery was surrounded by a 
great log fence made of the trees felled on the cemetery 
plat. The first burial in this cemetery was Gideon 
Tyler, son of Gideon Tyler a pioneer in the settlement. 
Pioneer Tyler had but a short time before located in the 
community. He arrived in 1795 bringing his three 
young sons, Amos, Gideon, and Solomon. With them 
came Adam Fries and Zenas Huggins. They were all 
men of character and contributed to the upbuilding of the 
settlement. 

NOAH OLMSTED 

Major Olmsted came from Connecticut where he was 
born February 29, 1768. He brought his young wife into 
the settlement soon after their marriage. Their daughter 
Hannah was born January 9, 1796, and was therefore the 
first child born in the settlement. Mr. Olmsted was twice 



o D 
M > 

as" LfJ 




HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 23 

married. There were six children by the first marriage 
and three by the second. 

At the time of the War of 1812 Mr. Olmsted entered 
the service and continued until the end of the trouble. 
He was successfully Adjutant, Lieutenant and Major, 
and after the war took an active interest in the State 
militia. Major Olm.sted was one of the founders of the 
First Congregational church, afterwards the First Presby- 
terian, and also served for sometime as one of the school 
trustees. He died in 1820. 

Ambrose Olmsted, of another family, located in the 
Hardenbergh settlement as early as 1793 or 1794. He 
also came from New England. 

The increase in the population of the settlement soon 
induced the launching of several stores. James O'Brien 
soon enlarged his store which he built on the City Hall 
grounds and did a successful business for several years. 
Major Walter J. Nichols succeeded O'Brien in 1796 and 
erected a large frame addition to the store. Dr. Crossett 
erected a building upon the site of the present session room 
of the First Presbyterian church. He, too, opened a 
general store, having as a department a line of drugs and 
medicines. 

Dr. Hackaliah Burt settled in the little village in March 
1796. He was not then a physician. He had, however, 
read medicine prior to locating at Hardenbergh Corners. 
He at once entered the store of Dr. Crossett as a clerk 
and student in medicine. His connection with Dr. 
Crossett did not continue long apparently, for, it is said, 
that a little later he opened an ashery on the bank of the 



24 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Outlet a short distance below North street. In the early- 
pioneer days these industries were important and very 
profitable. Potash brought a good price and also ready 
money, and real money was extremely scarce then. 
He also launched another general store and ran it several 
years. 

DR. HACKALIAH BURT 

Dr. Burt soon became a man of affairs and a conspicu- 
ous figure in the community. He bought a good part 
of the military lot No. 56, lying in the south section of the 
present city. It extended out South street a long distance 
and eastward toward the outlet. When South street 
finally opened for settlement, Dr. Burt erected a house 
on the east side of the street between Grover and Logan 
streets, where he lived until his death. The Burt tract 
came to be in a desirable residential section as the village 
grew. The land sold rapidly for building lots, and has 
since become a beautiful residential section of the city. 

Dr. Burt was active in developing and building up the 
village. He was a man of progressive ideas and public 
spirit, a helpful, good citizen. In religious faith, Dr. 
Burt was an Episcopalian and an earnest and zealous 
worker in behalf of St. Peters church and its society. 
He aided the society both by services and contributions 
of money. He also ser^^ed for several years as an official 
of the church society. By reason of his splendid charac- 
ter and helpful influence he had high standing in the 
community throughout his entire life. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 25 

In 1796, Nehemiah Smith built the first log house on 
the west side of North street, and soon thereafter St. Clair 
Smith erected another in the same section. 

The Hardenbergh settlement was making headway in 
growth, building and business. It was about this time, 
1795 and 1796 that Jehial Clark came from Ballston 
Springs, Saratoga county, N. Y., and sought to establish 
a little further west and north a rival to Hardenbergh 
Corners. He was an active and energetic man and ap- 
parently had means, for he entered at once into business 
and building. He built a log dam across the outlet some 
distance from the Hardenbergh dam and mill. Soon 
after this, Mr. Clark erected both a saw mill and a grist 
mill. It was proposed to build up a village bearing the 
name of Clarkville. He built roads leading to his mills, 
and attracted many settlers to that section. It later 
became a considerable business center, but the original 
village had too firm a footing and too many strong busi- 
ness citizens, and so finally Clarkville was merged with the 
older village, and the only lasting impress that remains 
of Clarkville is the name Clark street. 

Daniel Hyde became a resident of the Corners in 1798 
and that year built a house next to and north of Dr. 
Crossett's store on Franklin street. In 1802 he built a 
tannery in the rear of his home. This he sold in 1805 
to Elijah Esty, who carried on the tanning business for 
several years. 

Mr. Hyde after selling his tannery entered into partner- 
ship with Dr. Hackaliah Burt. They bought land on 
the north side of Genesee street, on the site of the first 



26 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Bostwick tavern, and there opened a store. Mr. Hyde, 
however, two years later, withdrew from the partnership 
and went into the miUing business. 

David Grant was one of the first to build a blacksmith 
shop in the hamlet. This was located on North street 
about where the Columbian block now stands. Grant 
was a good blacksmith and became an important element 
in the business affairs at the Corners. 

Pioneers of the early days were staunch advocates and 
supporters of schools, as well as churches. Therefore, in 
1796 the residents of the little community took steps 
for a settlement school. A log building was erected on 
the west side of North street near the present Van Anden 
street. Benjamin Phelps was the first teacher at this 
school. It was not a large building, nor were there a 
large number of pupils, but it was the beginning of a 
school system that has developed into one of the best in 
the State. 




CHAPTER II 

TOWN OF AURELIUS AND CAYUGA COUNTY 

JHE fact is worthy of note here that the Uttle 
spot of ground which now comprises the 
several wards of the city of Auburn, has, 
since the State came into possession of 
the land, at various times, constituted a 
part of many of the civil divisions of the territory. It has 
been in four counties and three towns. 

After the War of the Revolution Auburn, or the land 
upon which it is seated, was nearly in the center of the 
great Tryon county, which included fully one-half of the 
state of New York. The first sub-division soon after 
was the erection of Herkimer county, which included 
Cayuga county and a long stretch from this point both 
eastward and westward. Later another division estab- 
lished Onondaga county and finally March 8, 1799, 
Cayuga county was set off from Onondaga. 

In the first named county Auburn was a part of the 
great town of Bat a via, which extended over a vast area 
of territory, and while in the civil confines of Herkimer 
county, the town of Aurelius was set off January 27, 1789. 
A few years later Auburn was taken from Aurelius. So 
there was a town of Aurelius about six years before there 
was a Cayuga county. The town government of Aurelius, 
however, did not become operative until 1794. The 



28 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

prime reason for this, according to record, was that it was 
an exceedingly large town and very sparsely settled. 

On the first Tuesday in April 1794 the first town meet- 
ing of Aurelius was held at the house of Col. John L. 
Hardenbergh, at Hardenbergh Corners. From this time 
until 1803 the town meetings were held each year at 
Hardenbergh 's and subsequently for several years they 
w^ere held at Henry Moore's tavern, at Henry Brock- 
way's house or in some of the district school houses. 
The first supervisor chosen in 1794 was Joseph Grover, 
and the first town clerk elected was John L. Harden- 
bergh, who continued to serve until 1802. He was 
succeeded by Dr. Samuel Crosse tt, 1802-1803; John 
Herring, 1803-1807; Dr. HackaHah Burt, 1807-1810; 
John Herring, 1810-1811; David Brinkerhoff, 1811- 
1813; Nathaniel Garrow, 1813-1814; David Brinker- 
hoff, 1814-1822; Daniel Calkins, 1822-1823. 

The movement toward the organization of State militia 
in the western part of the State began the same year that 
Auburn was founded. That year the State authorized 
the organization of the Herkimer county militia, of which 
John L. Hardenbergh was commissioned Major and Noah 
Olmsted Adjutant. The following year, 1794, Onondaga 
county was erected and a new regiment of light artillery 
was organized in the new county, with Olmsted, Harden- 
bergh and Edward Paine, Majors. When Cayuga county 
was organized in 1799 Major Hardenbergh was promoted 
to the rank of Colonel and Noal Olmsted was made 
Major. Mr. Hardenbergh had been a Captain in the 
Revolutionary War; but the title of Colonel, however, 
came through his connection with the state militia. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 29 

Meanwhile, there were a few Indians who still visited 
the settlement from time to time and traded more or less 
with the merchants in the colony. The wild animals of 
various kinds still in the vicinity were a much greater 
menace to the settlers than were the Indians at this time. 
It is a matter of record too that Hardenbergh Corners 
was still in the woods and very much in the mud. On 
account of the latter condition, it is said, many home 
seekers gave the place no more than a brief look, and 
passed on to some section more inviting. However, a 
large area of land had already been cleared in the settle- 
ment and some of the farmers were raising crops of various 
kinds, while gardens were everywhere in evidence around 
the log cabins. The settlement in 1799 included many 
thrifty residents. Among them were Col. Hardenbergh, 
James O'Brien, Samuel Bristol, John Treat, WiUiam 
Bostwick, Noah Olmsted, Daniel Hyde, Eldad Steel, 
Nehemiah Smith, Samuel Crossett, Dr. Hackaliah Burt, 
Samuel Herring, Dr. Ellis, David Snow, Solomon Tib- 
bies, Gideon Tyler, Jehial Clark, Joseph Parish, B. C. 
Staats, Moses Bodell, Benjamin Phelphs, the school- 
master, Harry Freeman, Thomas Braim, a shoe maker, 
and Zenas Goodrich, tavern keeper. The latter had 
erected a building at the corner of North and Garden 
streets and was running a tavern. 

At this time the ring of the woodchopper's axe filled 
the place of the factory whistles of the present day. 
Woodchopping was a legitimate industry and occupied 
the time and energy of many citizens who became a tower 
of strength in the making and building of the town. 



30 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Meanwhile, the mail was brought to the community 
once a week, usually by a postman on horseback. In 
1804 the mails arrived twice a week and by the year 1808 
the Genesee Turnpike was the scene of a daily stage line. 

From this time on until the coming of the steam rail- 
roads the great Genesee Turnpike was thickly set with 
taverns of all kinds along the way. Auburn, as it de- 
veloped and first-class hotels were erected, became a 
favorite rendezvoux for travelers and prospective settlers 
in the community. About this time a log bridge was 
constructed across the outlet where the steel bridge now 
is on North street. Prior to this the only means of cross- 
ing was by fording the stream with teams or walking 
across on the trunks of a fallen tree. North street then 
did not run direct to Genesee, as at present; it took a 
detour toward the west to avoid the steep approach to 
the latter street and thus intersected Genesee near where 
the first Bostwick tavern was located. A few years later, 
Genesee street having been reduced to proper grade, 
North street was straightened to conform with its present 
course. 

Abner Beach, with his two sons, Joseph and Peter, 
and two daughters, located in the village in February 
1800. Mr. Beach bought a considerable tract of land 
on Franklin street hill and erected there a large frame 
residence. This marked the opening of another beautiful 
residential section of the village, which has also become 
thickly populated. 

^By this date too several mills of various kinds were 
established along the outlet. In 1800 Aaron Hay den 




THE OLD ACADEMY 

Erected in 1827 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 31 

erected a considerable distance north of the settlement 
a fulling mill, which grew finally into a prosperous in- 
dustry. The same year Daniel and William Miller built 
a similar mill in what was called Owasco. Barney Camp- 
bell the same year built a distillery on the bank of the out- 
let. Campbell did a thriving business in this line and 
became a citizen of considerable importance in the life 
of the community. 

SCHOOLS, 1796 TO 1713 

In the matter of schools, in pioneer days, there was 
unanimity of sentiment among the settlers, and schools 
multiplied in all sections as the population increased. 
These schools were essentially crude and inefficient in 
many respects, yet they were a means in the direction 
of education, in which all were interested. Many boys 
and girls it is true received in these early schools all the 
education they ever had, yet with this indifferent school 
training they became good and useful citizens. 

The first log school house on North street was primarily 
an important institution. The few pupils in attendance 
received there wholesome instruction under the rigid 
Benjamin Phelps and later under Dr. Hackaliah Burt. 
By 1799 the section of the settlement, which was strug- 
gling to become known as Clarkville, took steps also for 
the erection of a school. It was located at the corner of 
the present West Genesee and Garrow streets, this being 
near the colony of settlers. The school grew from year 
to year as the residents increased in numbers, and finally 
a substantial frame building was erected. A modern city 
school stands upon the same site today. 



32 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

About the same time a frame school building was 
erected at the present east corner of Genesee and South 
streets. This, however, was before North and South 
streets were straightened and the steep hill graded down. 
When this work was in process and the streets finally 
straightened, the little school house, it developed, was in 
the middle of South street, so it was moved to the south- 
west corner of Genesee and South streets. South street, 
however, was not yet formally opened. The first teacher 
of this school was a Dr. Steadman, a man of some learn- 
ing and a teacher who conducted the school with the 
most rigorous rules of discipline. David Buck succeeded 
Dr. Steadman as master of the school, and later Benjamin 
Phelps, master of the original North street school, became 
the preceptor of this school. The school was finally 
abandoned, and the building, a little one and a half story 
structure, was converted into a store. 

In 1801 another district school was located on the 
north side of Franklin street near the present Fulton street. 
This was a log building also, and like the others, had 
pupils of all ages and grades of scholarship. Benjamin 
Phelps presided over this school also for a time. He was 
a teacher, it is said, with the qualities that make for 
success. The school had the distinction at that time of 
being the only one in the young village having a bell. 
It was a large cowbell, which the teacher wielded to sum- 
mon the pupils from the surrounding woods at the school 
hour. This distinguishing feature clung to the locality, 
so that later when a more modern school building was 
erected there in 1818 it was for many years known as the 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 33 

"bell school." This second school too was the only one 
for some time to have a bell. The original cowbell school 
building near the present Fulton school, was finally 
converted into a dwelling. 

It was early demonstrated that the little district or 
primary schools were inadequate to meet the desire for 
education. This condition, therefore, brought into exist- 
ence a multiplicity of private schools of various kinds and 
types. For the next succeeding fifty years these private 
or select schools were in many sections of the village^ 
besides others in the outlying districts, many of them 
schools of note, doing efficient work in academic educa- 
tion. 

The occupation as teacher in a small school, in an almost 
unbroken wilderness, was not particularly pleasant or 
lucrative. If the number of pupils was small, and com- 
pensation equitably commensurate, ready cash among 
the settlers was still less visible. Teachers in the condi- 
tion of things not only "boarded around" but often were 
compelled to take payment for their services in such 
farm products as the settlers could raise in the limited 
clearings. 

The unsatisfactory status of educational affairs brought 
into existence also a few years later the Auburn Academy. 
This, unfortunately, had a desultory career for a period 
of years, yet it finally developed into an institution of 
efficiency and value to the community. 

The select schools of the village, however, had their 
beginning in 1813 when a Mr. Maxwell opened a private 
school in a room of the Irwin & Goodrich tavern, which 



34 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

was located on Genesee street east of the outlet. As to 
its period of existence or the degree of success attained 
there is no record. 

There was at about the same time a parish school 
connected with St. Peters church. It occupied a small 
building standing in the church yard. The school was 
conducted for a time by a Mr. Mott, who afterwards 
married Betsy Bostwick, daughter of WilHam Bostwick. 
The building later became a printing office. 

A little later Miss Almira Bennett kept a school in an 
upstairs room over the store at the location now occupied 
by the Allen book store. It is said to have continued for 
a considerable period of time. Miss Bennett later 
established Harmony Retreat, the girls' school at the 
foot of Owasco lake. 

HARMONY RETREAT 

About 1820 or 1821 the Misses Bennett, sisters, started 
a female boarding school at the foot of Owasco lake, near 
the present Sand Beach church. It was called "Har- 
mony Retreat." The Misses Bennett were young 
women of ability as teachers, and possessed also, it is 
said, the essential qualifications for the successful conduct 
of a school of this character. As a boarding school for 
girls it drew pupils from a wide radius of country. 
They taught, in addition to the usual branches, English 
literature, plain and ornamental needlework, painting, 
drawing and music. The school had throughout its 
career the earnest endorsement of the Rev. Dr. D. C. 
Lansing, then pastor of the First Presbyterian church. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 35 

Harmony Retreat continued until the late thirties. Miss 
Almira Bennett afterward married Dr. Joseph Clary. 

SPRINGSIDE SCHOOL 

Several years later another school of high standing was 
established in the same community. It was about 1850 
that Rev. Samuel R. Brown, D.D., was called to the 
pastorate of Sand Beach church, and it was at the beginn- 
ing of his connection with the church that he established 
Springside School for boys. It was ideally located in a 
sumptuous grove skirting the highway along the lake, 
and only a short distance from the church. 

Dr. Brown was a man of superior education and a 
high order of ability, with great strength of character. 
He was a strong preacher and a good teacher. Spring- 
side School attained reputation and attracted pupils 
from many sections of the countr3^ It was a very well 
equipped school, having a competent corps of teachers 
and ample accommodations for boarding. Dr. Brown 
carried on the school during the years of his pastorate 
of Sand Beach church, which terminated about 1857 or 
1858. At this time he went as the first missionary from 
the United States to Japan. 

Dr. Brown was succeeded in the principalship of Spring- 
side School by Mr. Hastings, who conducted it for some 
time. He in turn was followed by Mr. Henry W. Dwight. 
Finally the organization and development of graded 
schools with their advantages for education, Springside, 
like others of its kind, went out of existence. 



36 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Mr. Calvin Huson, who was a law student in the office 
of Hon. William H. Seward about 1825, had, during this 
time, a boys' school on Genesee street. Mr. Huson 
afterward married Miss Miller, a cousin of the wife of 
Secretary Seward. At the breaking out of the Civil War 
Mr. Huson enlisted from Rochester, was taken prisoner 
at Bull Run, and died in Andersonville prison. 

THE FEMALE SEMINARY 

Among the many schools that had vogue in the village 
of Auburn, there likely was none that had a stronger 
footing or was more popular than the Female Seminary, 
which was located at the corner of West Genesee and 
Washington streets. It occupied a charming position 
at the summit of the west hill; it had ample grounds 
with a wide reach of lawn and trees on every side. In 
early times this place was an Indian camping ground. 
The building was a substantial and attractive structure, 
erected by Robert Dill for a residence about 1809, and 
on account of its prominent location, was generally known 
as * 'Mount House." The Female Seminary was opened 
in 1837 by a corporation under the name of the Female 
Seminary Association. 

In departmental equipment and teaching force it was 
prepared to do efficient work in educating girls and young 
ladies. The first principal and preceptress were Mr. 
and Mrs. E. Hosmer, people of education and refinement, 
with a high sense of their respective duties. They 
continued at the head of the school for several years, and 
were succeeded in the early forties by John H. Wilson. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 37 

After Principal Wilson, came Mr. Scribner, or "Old 
Scrib," as the students were pleased to call him. Mr. 
Scribner conducted the Seminary for five years, and was 
followed by the Rev. Mr. Rudd. Rev. Jeremiah W. 
Walcott succeeded Mr. Rudd and continued as principal 
until fire destroyed the building. 

The Seminary enjoyed during these years a consider- 
able degree of prosperity. Its pupils came not only 
from among the best families of the village and county, 
but from many different states. The courses of study, 
including both music and art, were of sufl&cient scope to 
insure a very fair measure of education, together with 
culture and finish in the fine arts. Among the members 
of the teaching force during the Seminary's existence 
were Miss Clara Dickinson, Miss Townsend, Miss Bod- 
man, Miss Ruth Bussey, and Mr. Desflats, who taught 
the French language. 

The Seminary building was destroyed by fire in 1849 
and thus brought to an unhappy close a popular educa- 
tional institution of the village. 

There are very few of the former pupils of the Seminary 
now living in Auburn. The surviving members, how- 
ever, are: Mrs. Mary West Morse, Miss Mary S. Bacon, 
Miss Sarah M. Muir, Mrs. Helen Mills Starr, Mrs. Ellen 
Bacon Griswold, Mrs. Mary Arne Wallais, and Mrs. 
Cornelia Barbor McNeil. 

The unfortunate going out of the Female Seminary 
seems to have been the inspiration for the starting of 
many private schools in the village. 



38 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Miss Townsend, a former teacher in the Seminary, 
soon opened a select school in quarters over the post 
office, which was then located on Genesee Street, about 
where now stands the Cayuga County National Bank 
building. 

Rev. Milton H. Waldo also started a school for boys 
in a room of the Auburn Savings Bank building. This 
school ran about two years. 

Miss Charlotte Fosgate from 1852 and on for several 
years, kept a private school on North street. 

Miss Mary S. Bacon, for a considerable period of 
time, taught a private school on State street, and also 
on Grover street, in the house which is now the residence 
of Mr. John W. Rice. Miss Phoebe Coffin had a school 
on the same street. 

Mrs. Sarah Pain Bacon taught a select school for some 
time beginning in 1833 on West Genesee street, in a 
building then standing on the site of the present City 
Club. 

Miss Mary E. Jenks conducted a school for several 
years in the basement of the Universalist church, and 
at the same time Miss Aseneth Wheaton had a school in 
the opposite end of the church basement. 

In 1817 Noble D. Strong, who had been for a short 
time principal of the Auburn Academy, opened a private 
school under the name of the Auburn Latin School. 
Mr. C. Ten Eyck in 1818 also kept a select school in a 
building on East Genesee street near the Coe tavern. 

In February, 1818, Mr. William C. Colton started a 
school in the yellow building standing on the present 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 39 

City Hall site. This was probably in the building first 
occupied by James O'Brien's store. 

Rev. John C. Rudd established a female school in 
connection with the Auburn Academy in the early years 
of that institution's existence. 

Miss Julia Ferris in 1866 to 1867 had a private school 
over Sutton's drug store on Genesee street, where the 
Bell Telephone Company's office is now located. After 
one year it was moved to the corner of Water and Dill 
streets. Miss Gertrude L. Stone then became an assist- 
ant teacher in the school. 

The first private kindergarten was started in the early 
eighties by Miss Bruin. The school had a large number 
of little folks from the best families in the city. The 
kindergarten met with a good degree of success for some 
time. 

Miss Murray ran a select school on Seminary a^•enue 
near Holley street from 1848 to the late fifties. It was 
mainly a girls' school and enjoyed much popularity. 

A Miss Powell conducted a select school in the basement 
of the Second Presbyterian church in the early fifties. 

The Female Institute, another school that attained 
popularity and good success through an existence of 
more than thirty years, was started in 1854 by Mr. 
Winthrop Tappan. He opened the school in the old 
Corning Hall block, which stood on the site of the present 
Burtis Auditorium. The following year Mr. Tappan 
was joined by Mortimer L. Browne and they together 
established the Auburn Young Ladies' Institute. Sub- 
sequent to this the Institute was quartered in the City 



40 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Hall building, but the school soon outgrew the accom- 
modations and so the class rooms and most of the depart- 
ments of the institution were located in the Knight block 
on North street adjoining the First Presbyterian church. 
In 1858 Mr. Tappan withdrew from the Institute, and 
thence forward it was carried on by Mr. Browne. 

In 1859 Mr. Browne purchased the Goodwin-Underwood 
residence on the east side of North street, a very sightly 
location at the summit of the street, with large grounds 
and pleasant surroundings. This served as the boarding 
and living place of the foreign pupils, of which there were 
a large number. The school attracted a good class of 
students, having from time to time some who after- 
wards became more or less noted in various fields of effort. 
Mrs. Leslie Carter was for a considerable time a student 
at the Institute. There were also pupils from many of 
the most prominent families in the city. The Institute 
continued with much public favor until 1888, at which 
time it went out of existence. 

THE AUBURN ACADEMY 

The story of the schools begins again back in 1810, for 
that year marked the movement for the founding of the 
Auburn Academy. 

This institution came into existence under auspices 
that augured well for its continued success. It had the 
earne'st support of the best citizens in the village, men 
who appreciated education and desired to establish an 
academy having the scope of a full college preparatory 
school. These citizens subscribed liberally to the build- 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 41 

ing and equipment fund and in all ways gave aid to the 
project. Yet in spite of this the Academy's early career 
was one of many '*ups and downs," at times, in fact, it 
was quite "down and out.'* 

The village then had not more than four or five hundred 
population but it was growing from year to year by acces- 
sions of substantial and progressive citizens. At the 
first meeting in the fall of 1810 to consider the proposition, 
a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to a 
building fund, the shares in the fund to be twenty dollars 
each. William Bostwick, Dr. Hackaliah Burt, and 
David Brinkerhoff were named a committee to secure 
the amount necessary to go forward with the under- 
taking. Two hundred and five shares were soon taken 
and on the fifth day of December of that year the projec- 
tors proceeded to effect an organization, known as the 
Auburn School ^Association. The first board of trustees 
were Elijah Miller, David Buck, David Hyde, Noah 
Olmstead, Joseph L. Richardson, John H. Cumpston, 
John Sawyer, Jehial Clark, and David Horner. Robert 
Dill then contributed five acres and three-quarters of 
land along the present Garden street. In consideration 
of this transfer of land, Mr. Dill received fifty shares 
of the association. 

Early in February, 1811, Jehial Clark and Bradley 
Tuttle were given the contract for the construction of the 
academy building, a wooden structure about 40 by 60 
feet, two stories. The building fronted on North street 
and cost about four thousand dollars. The building was 
ready for occupancy early in February, 1812, but there 



42 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

were no teachers. Some time was consumed, it seems, 
in securing teachers, for the school opening took place 
June 15th following. Mr. J. Foote became the first 
principal, and as to the number of students at the beginn- 
ing, there is no record available. The tuition, as an- 
nounced, was $3.00 and $4.00 each quarter. The Lan- 
casterian system was to be the vogue. 

Mr. Foote's services as principal, however, covered 
but a brief period, although it appears to have been a 
busy engagement, for he not only taught the pupils but 
he looked after the school building and collected the 
tuition, and this was not an easy task in those days. 

A Mr. Button succeeded Principal Foote, and ap- 
parently Mr. Button found the proposition no more of a 
sinecure than did his predecessor. Meanwhile, in 
January, 1813, a partially new board of trustees was 
elected as follows: E. T. Throop, Horace Hills, Elijah 
Miller and Bavid Horner. In February, 1815, the 
School Association or academy was incorporated by the 
Regents of the State of New York. Noble B. Strong, a 
very competent teacher, it seems, had succeeded Mr. 
Button as head of the school. The crowning trouble, 
however, came to the struggling school when the building 
was destroyed by fire in the early spring of 1816. 

The Academy was opened in October following in rooms 
in the Van Anden block on Genesee street, next to where 
the Cayuga County National Bank building stands. 
Thus it went on under several different preceptors and as 
many locations until finally a long period of suspended 
animation fell upon it, which came near to being its 
finish. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 43 

In 1822 the school was revived under Noble D. Strong 
as principal again. Yet there was no building and very- 
little if any equipment for carrying on the work. And 
so it went on intermittently until 1827 when the project 
took concrete form under new inspiration and well 
defined plans for an academy embodying the original 
ideas, together with the advanced modes of education. In 
the year above mentioned a new brick academy building 
was erected on the academy green, where now stands the 
high school building. The school opened anew under 
Rev. John C. Rudd, a man of ability and some learning. 
From that time on the x\cademy was an efficient and 
valuable institution of learning. Finally in 1866 it was 
taken over by the city and became a part of the public 
school system. 

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF AUBURN 

The free school system of Auburn dates from 1850. 
An act passed on the tenth day of April that year author- 
ized the organization of the Union free schools. The 
several district schools, in pursuance of this, were consoli- 
dated and thenceforward were operated under a board of 
education as authorized by the act. There was no 
provisions in the act, however, for the establishment of 
a high school. The Academy served as the high school, 
although it afforded no means for the academic education 
of the female pupils of the city. 

But the school system continued thus until 1866 
when another act re-organized the whole system and 
provided for a high school. The Academy, after much 



44 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

contention and strenuous oppositions on the part of 
many citizens, then became the City High School. A 
question here arose in connection with the matter of 
turning the Academy over to the city. The land upon 
which it stood and which was the gift of Robert Dill, 
by the terms of the transfer, compelled its use for an 
academy, otherwise the trustees of the Academy faced 
forfeiture action. In order to obviate this the new 
high school was chartered as the Academic High School 
and it so remains. 

The act of 1866 abolished the office of City Superin- 
tendent of Common Schools and gave greater power to 
the board of education. Warren Higby was the first 
superintendent of the city schools and principal of the 
high school, under the new act beginning in 1866. He 
served until 1868, and was succeeded by E. A. Charlton 
1868 and 1869. In 1870 Benjamin B. Snow was ap- 
pointed to the ofiice of superintendent and served with 
marked ability and efficiency until 1900. Clinton S. 
Marsh succeeded Mr. Snow in 1901 and remained until 
1905. Alfred E. Thompson 1905-1910; Henry D. 
Hervey, 1910, now serving. 

The principals of the high schools since 1870 have been. 
1870-1878 John L. Myer; 1878-1879 Charles R. Wil- 
liams; 1879-1881 Byron Walls; 1881-1883, E. T. Tom- 
linson; 1883-1886, George R. Cutting; 1886-1893, 
William P. Thomson; 1893-1894, Warrington Sommers; 
1894, Floyd D. Bartlett who is still serving. Higley and 
Charlton acted also as superintendent of schools. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 45 

The following have been presidents of the Board of 
Education since 1870 the year given indicating the close 
of each presidents term of office. Up to this year the 
mayors of the city were president of the board. 1870 
J. M. Hurd; 1871, Eli Gallup; 1872, Miles Perry; 1873, 
Charles R. Williams; 1874, D. H. Schoonmaker; 1875, 
Theodore M. Pomeroy; 1876, Byron C. Smith; 1877, 
Charles S. Trowbridge; 1878, Oscar F. Knapp; 1879, 
John T. M. Davie; 1880, Miles Perry; 1881, Sereno E. 
Payne; 1882, Sereno E. Payne; 1883, George Under- 
wood; 1884, George Underwood; 1885, James Kerr; 
1886, Fred H. Fay; 1887, Wm. J. Moses; 1888, Thomas 
M. Osborne; 1889, Thomas M. Osborne; 1890, George 
F. Wills; 1891, Frederic E. Storke; 1892, John W. O'Brien; 
1893, Fred H. Parker; 1894, Wm. J. Moses; 1895, John 
W. O'Brien; 1896, O. Clifford Hall; 1897, Joseph C. 
Anderson; 1898, Edgar B. Mosher; 1899, Charles B. 
Quick; 1900, E. Clarence Aiken; 1901, George B. 
Turner; 1902, Frank W. Richardson; 1903, John E. 
Myer; 1904, John E. Myer; 1905, John Van Sickle; 
1906, Wm. H. Seward, Jr.; 1907, Chas. Hoskins; 1908, 
Arthur S. Hoyt; 1909, D. L. Ramsey; 1910, C. E. 
Almy; 1911, Wm. F. Garling; 1912, Charles F. Lyons; 
1913, H. L. Reed. 

The present high school building, a handsome and roomy 
structure, was completed in 1888. There are at present 
fourteen public schools all of modern construction and 
equipment, with a well organized and efficient system of 
city schools. 




CHAPTER III 

HISTORICAL NOTES AND EARLY TAVERNS 

|ANY events of interest and importance oc- 
curred in the Hardenbergh community 
during the decade beginning in 1800. 

Bradley Tuttle, in 1801, became a resi- 
dent of the settlement and cleared a good 
part of the land along Genesee street, the property of 
William Bostwick. Tuttle, a little later, bought the 
Zenas Goodrich tavern and was its landlord for some 
time. He also became an active and prominent builder 
in the village. 

Daniel Grant, who built and opened the first black- 
smith shop on North street, also started the first trip- 
hammer forge in the village. It was located at the corner 
of Genesee street and Lumber lane, now Osborne street. 
In 1803 and 1808 several colored people who had been 
slaves were freed. Peter Hughes, the first County Clerk, 
is said to have had two of them, both of whom were set 
free. It is stated also that Harry Freeman, a slave who 
accompanied Col. Hardenbergh to the proposed settle- 
ment, afterward became a barber and worked at the 
business many years in the village. The truth of this 
statement, however, is not vouched for. 

The year 1802 brought to the community several 
valuable residents, namely, Capt. Edward Stevenson, 




HON. ELIJAH MILLER 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 47 

who soon after erected a home on the east side of North 
street. Besides, there were Ichabod Marshall and 
Philip and Gideon Jenkins, millwrights. The two 
latter were valuable assets to the community at that 
period, when mills of various kinds were being erected and 
put into operation. 

But the years 1806 and 1807 brought a still greater 
number of strong citizens, some of whom afterwards 
became prominent as manufacturers, merchants and 
in the professions. Samuel D. Lockwood was the first 
lawyer to settle in the village. There were also George 
Leitch, merchant, Capt. Edward Allen, who became a 
manufacturer, Horace Hills, another merchant, Jonathan 
Russell, a silversmith. Park Camp, a millwright, Reuben 
Swift, a miller, and Daniel Lounsbury, who became more 
or less active in public life. 

Almost at the same time the population was augmented 
by the arrival of David Brinkerhoff, Reuben Porter, 
Elijah Jarvis, Elisha T. Swift, and Peter Hughes, who 
became a citizen of more than ordinary account, being 
the first county clerk at the new county seat at a time 
when the public records, for lack of a more suitable 
place, were kept at his home to insure safety. There 
were also Dr. Joseph Cole, John Wagstaff , a copper- 
smith, Capt. William Clark and Benjamin Yard. But 
the two men who located in the village about this time 
and who filled a conspicuous place in the after affairs of 
the village, county and state, were Elijah Miller and Col. 
John Richardson. 



48 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

HON. ELIJAH MILLER 

Although Judge Miller's settlement in Auburn did not 
occur until 1808 or 1809, still he was a pioneer in the 
county less than two years after Col. John L. Harden- 
bergh drove the stakes for his cabin at the junction of 
the present Franklin and Market streets. 

Mr. Miller was not yet 23 when he made his way through 
the forest to the present Cayuga county. This was in 
January, 1795, according to the memorandum made by 
him in his later years, and less than a year also after 
Onondaga county was erected from Herkimer. He 
states that he traveled westward from Utica on foot, 
following the very tortuous trail. Hardenbergh's cabin 
was the only white man's habitation then on the site of 
Auburn. 

Judge Miller's objective point was Aurora, then the 
largest settlement in the country, having about twenty 
families. Here he entered the office of Judge Walter 
Wood as a student and remained there until he was 
admitted to practise in the Court of Common Pleas in 
1798. 

Romulus, on the opposite side of Cayuga lake, was 
then a struggling settlement and to this place the young 
barrister went to begin the practice of his profession. 
After two years, however, he quit Romulus and located 
at Cayuga village, as this place offered greater possibil- 
ities for professional work on account of the courts 
that were held there. Cayuga village up to 1808 was 
larger than Auburn. Mr. Miller continued in the practise 
at Cayuga until 1809, at which time he cast his lot in the 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 49 

new county seat, and from that time on he was a part of 
Auburn, a factor in its making and an influential figure in 
pubHc affairs. 

Judge Miller was born April 11, 1772, at Bedford, West- 
chester County, N. Y. He was of English stock and 
Quaker parentage. His parents were Capt. Josiah and 
Paulina Titus Miller; Josiah Miller, although a Quaker in 
religious faith served as captain in the War of the Revolu- 
tion, and was also a zealous member of what was known 
as the "Committee of Safety." His love of liberty and of 
his country were paramount and he, therefore, heartily 
took up arms in the cause of freedom. 

Judge Miller's early education consisted mainly of 
instruction by his mother and later two years spent at 
Wllliamstown Academy, Williamstown, Mass. While a 
student at Williamstown, Mr. Miller met Miss Hannah 
Foote, whom he married January 1, 1800, the year that 
he began practise at Cayuga. 

In October, 1802, Mr. Miller was admitted to practise 
in the Supreme Court of the State. He soon became 
one of the successful lawyers of western New York. 
He was counsel and attorney in many of the noted cases 
in the higher courts. He was a strong lawyer, had a 
high sense of honor, and throughout his professional 
career he had the confidence and respect of all who knew 
him. W^hen the question of establishing a permanent 
county seat for Cayuga county arose, Mr. Miller was one 
of the earnest advocates of Auburn as the proper location. 
Apparently he read the horoscope of the future metropolis 
of the County. 



50 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

In 1809 Judge Miller moved to Auburn and established 
himself in the practise of the law. The following year he 
erected a residence on the east side of South street, between 
the Second Presbyterian church and the present Universa- 
list church. Here he maintained for several years a 
law office in connection with his residence. Mrs. Miller 
died in 1811, leaving two daughters, Lazette Maria and 
Frances, Miss Lazette Maria later became the wife of 
Mr. Alvah Warden and the second, Frances, married 
Secretary William H. Seward. 

In 1813 Mr. Miller was made Clerk of the Council of 
Appointment, a position which he filled with marked 
ability for two years. In 1816 he was one of the State 
Commissioners to select a site for the State Prison. The 
follow^ing year he was appointed as the first judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas of Cayuga county. During 
his six years oflBcial service he distinguished himself as an 
able lawyer and jurist. His opinions on legal questions 
were regarded as sound and his decisions were rarely 
reversed by the higher courts. 

In 1816 Judge Elijah Miller erected in South street the 
residence which is now the most historic private residence 
in western New York. It was the home of Secretary 
Seward from 182.5 until his death in 1872, and is the 
residence of Gen. Seward, his son, at this time. 

Judge Miller was actively identified with all enterprises 
which had for their object the betterment of Auburn. 
He was one of the main supporters and contributors to 
the building and maintenance of the old academy, and he, 
in company with John H. Beach in 1714 projected and 




COL. JOHN RICHARDSON 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 51 

built the jfirst cotton mill in Auburn. He was also one 
of the promoters of the Owasco Canal in the early twenties. 
He was active and foremost in the promotion and build- 
ing of the early railroads, and in every other measure 
for the public good. In 1823 he formed a law partner- 
ship with his son-in-law, Hon. William H. Seward, which 
continued many years. 

Judge Miller died in Auburn Nov. 13, 1851, after a life 
full of activity, full of honor, standing high in the esteem 
of the thousands who knew him and appreciated his 
worth as a citizen. 

COL. JOHN RICHARDSON 

Auburn, in its early formative period, was signally 
fortunate in attracting citizens who, most of them, 
worked out great problems for the town's development 
and betterment industrially and commercially. Col. 
John Richardson was in this class. His was one of the 
early industries of the village; it filled an important place, 
in fact, the main feature of the business which he estab- 
lished remains in its integrity now, after more than one 
hundred years since its foundation. 

Col. Richardson located in Auburn in 1809, coming 
direct from Marietta, Ohio, where he had been engaged 
in business along a similar line, in which he had inclination 
and training. He was born in Maryland in 1780, and 
there learned the trade of cabinet-maker. After com- 
pleting his apprenticeship to the trade, and while yet a 
young man, Mr. Richardson went where he believed 
greater opportunities presented for expansion and the 



52 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

working out of the success he desired. After six or 
seven years, however, he, hke many others, was attracted 
to Auburn, where he settled and at once engaged in the 
manufacture of furniture. His first cabinet shop was on 
the east side of South street where he carried on a success- 
ful business for many years. 

While at Marrietta, Mr. Richardson was brought in 
direct contact with Aaron Burr, the arch traitor and 
conspirator against the Government. Burr was there 
seeking to raise an army which he planned to take down 
the Mississippi River and found his new republic. Burr 
tendered Mr. Richardson the captaincy of a company 
as an inducement to join the conspiracy. Mr. Richard- 
son had higher and more loyal aims, however, and there- 
fore left Burr to meet the fate which finally overtook him, 

Mr. Richardson was the pioneer in furniture making 
in the western part of the State of New York. Although 
the facilities were crude, he turned out good furniture and 
thus built up a wide sale for his goods. When the War 
of 1812 came on, Mr. Richardson was one of the first to 
enlist in the service. Gov. Tompkins commissioned him 
Captain of a company which was mustered in Cayuga 
County. For a time his company was quartered in 
Auburn, but was soon called into service at Buffalo, and 
there they took an active part in the battles of Fort Erie 
and Lundy's Lane, both he and his Indian Rifle Corps 
doing valiant service. Col. Richardson served until the 
close of the War, returning to Auburn in the Spring of 
1815. He at once resumed the business of furniture i 
making and from that time on he was a leader in the] 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 53 

business. He was also active in State militia affairs and 
in recognition of his valuable services in connection there- 
with, he was commissioned as Colonel by the Governor 
-of New York. It was in 1815, at the close of his military- 
service that he married Miss Roberts of Cayuga. Col. 
Richardson then erected a home on South street where 
he lived until his death. G. W. Richardson, the present 
head of the business which the Colonel founded, is his 
surviving son. 

Col. Richardson was a close friend and admirer of 
Secretary Seward and gave him valuable support in his 
campaign for Governor in 1838 and was equally zealous 
in his support of William H. Harrison for president in the 
campaign of 1840. He was ever loyal to Auburn and its 
best interests, as he was to his personal friends, of whom 
he had many. 

Col. Richardson was a descendent of the pioneer, 
Samuel Richardson, who settled in Maryland in 1662. 
Col. Richardson died in 1849, having spent a busy and 
useful life. 

NATHANIEL GARROW 

Nathaniel Garrow joined the Hardenbergh settlement 
about 1800. He had very little money but he possessed 
great vigor and an ambition to achieve something. He 
chopped wood and cleared land for those who had it to 
be cleared. Soon Mr. Garrow purchased the triangular 
piece of land bounded by North and Genesee streets and 
the Outlet. He erected a distillery on the bank of the 
stream, did a thriving business and made money. He did 



54 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

much for the betterment of the young town; was active 
in all public measures that embodied progress and up- 
building. 

In 1813 Mr. Garrow purchased the farm in West Genesee 
street then owned by the Rev. Mr. Higgins and erected 
that year one of the handsomest residences along the 
street. From this time on he occu^pied a prominent place 
in various business enterprises in the village and was also 
active in political affairs. He was honored with many 
offices by the townspeople and later was elected to repre- 
sent the district in Congress. He was a valuable citizen 
for Auburn and a capable, honest official. 

John Garrow, brother of Nathaniel, settled at Half 
Acre in 1796 and opened a store on the Genesee Turnpike, 
or the "Mud Pike," as it was called in early times. 

Col. Hardenbergh in 1804, built a fulling mill on the 
bank of the Outlet adjoining his gristmill. This was run 
for a time by Ashbel Treat, and afterwards by Levi 
Gregory, and later still by Gideon G. Jenkins. 

Col. Hardenbergh, it is said, had no element of personal 
vanity in his composition. He did things sanely and 
substantially but without ostentation. Yet the story is 
told of his once having a picture of himself drawn upon 
the inner side of his mill door. 

One of the early time itinerant artists came along one 
day and proposed to draw with pencil a life-like portrait 
of the pioneer. Finally a bargain was made to the effect 
that the artist was to receive as compensation for the work 
his dinner plus twenty -five cents. Neither the artist 
or Col. Hardenbergh had a piece of paper suitable for the 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 55 

work, much to the disappointment of the artist. But a 
compromise was effected by which the portrait was to 
be drawn on the mill door. It is said further that the 
picture for several years thereafter adorned the inner 
side of the Hardenbergh mill door. 

In 1806, thirteen years after founding the town, Col. 
Hardenbergh died. He had seen the place grow from 
merely the selected site for his first cabin into a thrifty 
community. He had been the foremost figure in its 
making thus far. One year previous to this he had been 
a partj^ to the movement for changing the name of his 
embryo city from Hardenbergh Corners to that of Auburn. 
His career closed at the age of sixty. 

Colonel and Mrs. Hardenbergh and their daughter, 
Marian, were first buried in the North Street Cemetery. 
After the opening of Fort Hill Cemetery the bodies were 
transferred to the Hardenbergh lot in this cemetery. 

The following are the records upon the head stones at 
Fort Hill: 

"John L. Hardenbergh, died April 23, 1806, at the age 
of 60." 

"Martina Brinkerhoff Hardenbergh, died May 21, 1843, 
aged 70." 

"John H. Hardenbergh, their son, born March 20, 1798, 
died June 11, 1862." 

"Maria, their daughter, died Sept. 21, 1824, age 24." 

During the immediate succeeding years from 1803 
there were many changes in business projects and also 
many additions, both in mercantile and industrial 
lines. 



56 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

John Cumpston became a resident of the village and 
purchased the original James O'Brien store located on 
the present City Hall grounds. He carried on the busi- 
ness there for some time. He also became prominent 
in other lines. 

Silos Hawley was another settler in 1803. He was a 
tanner by trade, and, therefore, soon added another 
tannery to those already in operation. 

Reuben and Seth Burgess, hatters, joined the colony 
in 1804. They started a work shop and store at the 
corner of East Genesee street and Seminary avenue. 
They were thrifty and soon built a residence on Genesee 
street near their store. 

Lyman Payne and Jacob Doremus came also in 1804. 
Payne started an ashery above the outlet near the site 
now occupied by the Cayuga County National Bank. 
Doremus built another tannery and a store east of Payne's 
ashery. In 1812 Robert Muir bought the ashery and 
carried on the business several years. 

Jeremiah O'Callahan had the distinction of building 
about 1806 the first stone house in the community. It 
was located on a lane, as it was then called, but it later 
became Seminary avenue. It was on the west side of 
the lane, a little north of Franklin street. This house 
was soon replaced, however, by another of a different 
type. 

John Demarre and Ephraim Lockhart in 1804 built a 
cabinet shop, which was torn down two years later to 
give place to a tavern, the Farmers Inn, a two story 
building. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 57 

In 1805 Frederick Young opened a goldsmith shop on 
Genesee street. He was succeeded a Httle later by 
Joseph Davis, and in 1814 the business passed to Jonathan 
Russell who continued in the business for quite a period 
of time. 

Henry Ammerman, who seems to have occupied a more 
or less conspicuous place in the affairs of the village, was a 
settler in 1804 also. First he was a farmer in the Owasco 
Lake region, but through his close relations with Col. 
Hardenbergh, he was drawn to the village. He built 
the old Farmers Inn and was its landlord for quite a period 
of time. In 1816 Mathias Hoffman purchased the Inn and 
he was succeeded later by Timothy Strong. Ammerman, 
it is said, was a man of clean character and in all respects 
a useful citizen. 

Although there were hatters and silversmiths and gold- 
smiths in town, it was 1805 before a real tailor opened a 
shop. William Cox was his name, and he seems to have 
done a prosperous trade in the little town. Another hat 
store was opened this year by Anselem S. Howland. 
This was a little west of Demarre's tavern, near Henry 
Polhemus' store. Polhemus was also a miller. John 
Walker had by this time joined Silas Hawley and they 
erected the first carding mill on the Outlet, a short distance 
above Col. Hardenbergh 's dam. 

In 1805 or 1806 Robert and John Patty opened a 
general store on Lumber lane, now Osborne street, a little 
distance from Genesee street. It was a frame building 
constructed with green lumber which shrank so much, it 
is said, that thieves pulled the goods out through the 



58 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

cracks. The Patty's in 1807 built a tannery and an 
ashery, both of which were successful industries. 

ROBERT MUIR 

It was 1806 when Robert Muir, then a boy of sixteen, 
dropped down in Auburn to work out his destiny along 
with the other active and progressive men who were not 
alone the makers of their own fortune but the makers 
and builders of the town in the early period of its life. 

Robert Muir was of Scotch birth, born in Kilwinney, 
Scotland, in 1790. He located in Auburn the year after 
his arrival in this country. By hardy industry and 
thrift he was a merchant by the time he arrived at full 
manhood. A little later he became a manufacturer and 
built up an extensive and successful business. He 
erected the buildings, or a part of them, now occupied 
by the Nye & Wait Carpet Works. There was a con- 
siderable community established in that section of the 
village, and Muir's bed ticking factory gave employment 
to many people. The place was then known as Hackney, 
and some now living remember it as bearing that 
name. 

Throughout his career, it is said, Mr. Muir's honor and 
integrity were never questioned. He was generous and 
ever ready to help others as well as every enterprise and 
project that made for the advancement of the town. 
He gave aid liberally to worthy causes and was an earnest 
supporter of the struggling church societies in the village 
and city. He was closely identified with St. Peters church 
and was one of the society's most valued officers. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 59 

In 1822 Mr. Muir married Miss Nancy Bennett, 
daughter of Asel P. and Sarah Ensign Bennett, of Shef- 
field, Mass. The Bennett family in 1814 also settled in 
Auburn, and it was Miss Almira Bennett, sister of Mrs. 
Muir, who later conducted the famous girls' school at the 
foot of the Owasco lake. 

Mr. Muir was popular among all classes in the village, 
and no less so in the little community which his industry 
had helped to build up. On account of this he was 
styled the Duke of Hackney, sometimes called Hackney 
Barney. Mr. Muir, at some time it is said, was a candi- 
date for some elective office, anent which someone com- 
posed a humorous song embodying something of the 
old Scotch story which gives an account of posts erected 
along the highway for scratching one's back. The closing 
line in this song ran as follows: "O, stay at home and 
scratch your back, Duke of Hackney Barney." 

Mr. Muir early built a handsome residence on Grover 
street where he lived for some time. The financial crash 
of 1837 brought much disaster to many lines of business, 
and Mr. Muir also sustained heavy losses, among them 
his manufacturing interest. But he continued as a 
merchant through the later years of his life. Mrs. Muir 
died January 12, 1864, and Mr. Muir died February 17, 
1868. The surviving members of the family are two 
daughters, Miss Sarah M. and Miss Katherine S. Muir. 

TAVERNS OF THE EARLY PERIOD 

The taverns of one kind and another in the early period 
were, in a more or less degree, important institutions in 



60 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

the community. They somehow got closer to the people, 
or the people got closer to them, at least they were not out 
of harmony with the spirit and life of the time. They 
were also to a great extent the forum where citizens col- 
lected from time to time to discuss many topics, that of 
religion, politics, current events, town affairs, and not 
infrequently, the domestic affairs of the community. 
On account of these relations and associations and the 
personality of certain of their landlords, much interest 
naturally centers in and about them. 

The first little log tavern erected by Samuel Bristol in 
1795, at what is now the corner of Genesee and North 
street, marked an epoch in the history of Auburn. This 
was not because it amounted to much as a hostelry but 
it was a beginning and served the purpose at a time 
when all little things were in truth big things. Bristol's 
tavern, however, enjoyed not a long career. It ran a 
period of twelve or fifteen years when it passed to Eleazer 
Hills, who established there a grocery store. 

The second tavern in the settlement was that of Wil- 
liam Bostwick, built in 1798-1799. This was also a log 
structure, somewhat larger than Bristol's, of course, but 
having little more architectural beauty. It stood on the 
north side of Genesee street, the site upon which later the 
Beach block was erected. This crude hosterly had a 
briefer existence than Bristol's, but was popular because 
its landlord was popular and a conspicuous figure in the 
affairs of the village. 

In 1803 Mr. Bostwick began the erection of the frame 
hotel at the corner of Genesee and Exchange streets. 



o n 
^ > 

00 C 




HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 61 

It was completed in 1804. Bostwick's new tavern was 
a large structure and a decided advance step in such 
enterprises in western New York. It was, in a consider- 
able degree, a famous hostelry from this time on for more 
than half a century. Mr. Bostwick reigned as landlord 
until 1816, and during this period did a prosperous busi- 
ness and made a good name for his hotel. 

Canfield Coe succeeded Mr. Bostwick as owner and 
landlord and under him too the business still increased, 
along with the popularity of the hotel. Mr. Coe greatly 
enlarged the building and made many improvements 
both inside and out. He continued as landlord eight 
years, when he was succeeded by Emanuel Hudson in 
1 824 . It was Hudson who named it ' 'Western Exchange, 
the name it bore from that time on to the last day of its 
existence in 1868. 

General Wood was landlord of the Western Exchange 
for some time. He was a fat, puffy, "grouchy" individual, 
weighing nearly 300 pounds. Yet he ran a good hotel; 
and meanwhile waged an incessant warfare on his servants 
and employees. It was quite his custom to discharge them 
of a morning and re-engage them the following afternoon. 

But the old Western Exchange during its career, housed 
many persons of note from various latitudes, and each 
succeeding landlord took unctions pride in maintaining 
its standard. Benjamin Ashby was its landlord when 
the hotel passed to give place to a modern block of stores 
in 1868. 

The Center House, located at the junction of East 
Genesee and Market streets, was started in 1805 by 



62 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

William Smith, who, it seems, failed to complete it. 
David Horner then came into possession of the property 
and finished the undertaking and opened the new hostelry 
in 1806. He continued about six years and sold it to 
Charles Reading, whose tenure lasted through four 
years. He was followed by Silas Hawley who had a 
brief reign as landlord. Then the good Deacon Henry 
Ammerman bought it and lived to his published declara- 
tion that he would run a first-class hotel. Ammerman 
presided at the Center House until 1822. 

The Center House enjoyed great local celebrity. It was 
the focal point and headquarters for almost everything 
and every movement undertaken by the townspeople. 
In addition to being a hotel, it was the assembling place 
for Sunday Schools, for church services and many other 
functions of a religious character. The hotel maintained 
a large assembly hall well suited for gatherings of this 
kind, and for dances and public meetings during the 
week. Both Judge Joseph Richardson and Gov. Enos T. 
Throop had law offices in the building. 

Andrew Brown succeeded Deacon Ammerman as land- 
lord and ran the hotel until 1828, at which time Abijah 
Keeler bought the property, and after a brief time Rod- 
man Sergeant, the last landlord, assumed charge. The 
Center House, however, had lived its life and served its 
purpose. It was purchased about 1830 by Ezekiel 
Williams, and was soon thereafter replaced by a block 
of stores. The hotel building was moved to Fulton street 
and became a residence. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 63 

Another hostelry erected in 1806 was the Farmers' Inn, 
of which mention was made in a previous paragraph. 
Hudson, who bought the Farmers' Inn, later built the 
Radney House, which became the Empire State. 

Demarre's Tavern was built about 1817 or 1818. It 
seems to have enjoyed a good degree of popularity. De- 
marre was a popular man in the community and had a 
wide acquaintance. This hostelry afterwards became the 
National. 

In 1808 Watrous Pomeroy built a hotel on the south 
side of Genesee street, on the site of the present Exchange 
block. Pomeroy conducted the hotel about two years, 
when he sold it to Capt. Robert L. Tracy, who ran it as 
the Powers Tavern. Tracy died in 1816 and Zenas 
Goodrich became the landlord and changed the name to 
that of the Goodrich Inn. X few years later it was 
known as Griswold's Hotel, and still in 1825 it 
assumed the name of Goodrich's Inn again. The 
year 1835 marked the end of its life, however, for it 
was then removed to give place to the original Exchange 
block. 

The old Lynch Coffee House, about 1817, was located 
near the Bank of Auburn. A part of this became the 
Parmelee Tavern. Smith and Parmelee became owners 
of the Lynch Coffee House also and after Smith withdrew, 
Parmelee continued it until his death. 

In 1817 Isaac Lytic built a hotel opposite the prison 
and ran it until 1828, when the hotel and an adjoining 
building were destroyed by fire. The hotel was rebuilt 
and burned down again several years later. 



64 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

James Hickson in 1828 erected a hotel on the corner 
where the old New York Central railroad freight house 
later stood. This was first called the Red Tavern, but 
later was known as Sadler's Hotel. There is no record 
as to its period of existence. 

As previously stated, Zenas Goodrich, in early times, 
had a tavern at the corner of North and York streets 
known as the Goodrich Inn. As late as 1829 it was known 
as Champlain's Tavern. 

John M. Daball in 1817 built a tavern at the corner of 
West Genesee and Division streets. Daball seems to 
have been succeeded by a Mr. Sexton whose terms of 
occupancy is unknown. In the early times it appears 
to have been a rendezvous for soldiers, for it is stated that 
the 158th Regiment Militia was for some time quartered 
there. 

The Demarre block, erected in 1833 on Genesee street, 
was in 1839 converted into a tavern. It was known as 
the Auburn House. The first landlord of the Auburn 
House was Horace A. Chase. It was a popular hostelry 
for many years and did a prosperous trade. Many persons 
of note also put up at the hotel at various times. Jenny 
Lind quartered there when she visited Auburn in 1851. 
In 1854 the Auburn House went out of existence and a 
part of the building was occupied for a school. Two years 
later the building was burned, thus giving place later to a 
block of stores. 

The Old Bank Coffee House on Genesee street, a little 
west of State street, was quite a distinguished hostelry 
when Bacon & Maxwell were the proprietors from 1828 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 65 

on for several years. The Coffee House was the head- 
quarters at that time for the stage lines going both east 
and west. The old Hne mail, the Pilot, the Eagle and 
Telegraph stage lines discharged their passengers at the 
Coffee House. 

The old Willard Tavern was built about 1810, on the 
north side of Genesee street. Watrous Pomeroy was the 
landlord for a considerable number of years, and Zadock 
Hall also kept it for an equally long period of time. It 
is said that during the War of 1812 a recruiting station 
was located in the old hostelry, and many soldiers were 
quartered there for several years. In 1827 Emery 
Willard, the owner of the hotel, sold it to F. S. Glover and 
soon thereafter the building was moved to Clark street. 
This in part gave place for the building of the x\merican. 

The American House, opened January 1, 1830, for a 
time filled as big a niche in the mind of the public as any 
hostelry in Auburn. While its later years were not 
especially brilliant, it had made a good history and 
attracted many admirers. 

The American was a substantial four story stone 
building, with some touches of architectural beauty. 
It stood on the site of the present Metcalf ofiice building 
on Genesee street. A Mr. Gambel was the first landlord 
at the hotel, and. it is said, he held sway there for some 
time. 

Col. Sherwood for many years ran the stage lines and 
his oflSces were at the American House. The stages, in 
consequence, stopped at this hostelry which fact greatly 
augmented its business and strengthened its popularity. 



66 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Many distinguished persons put up at the American 
during the early years. Daniel Webster, Millard Filmore 
and the Hungarian patriot, Louis Kossuth, and others 
were guests at the hotel. 

The American had many different landlords during its 
career, the last one being S. P. Chapman. In 1870 the 
property was purchased by Anthony Shimer, who changed 
the name to that of the St. James. The hotel had lost 
prestige by this time and its patronage had waned beyond 
the profit limit. It burned in 1879, and thus passed 
another of the noted hotels of Auburn. 

There is still another early time tavern which is worthy 
of special mention. It is that of the old Eleazer Hunter 
road tavern, located in the present east end of the city 
on Genesee street. When it was erected in 1798, it 
stood in the woods, and probably there was no thought 
then that it would some day be within the city limits. 
It is a brick building and undoubtedly was the first 
building erected of that material in Cayuga county. It 
was kept as a hotel for nearly fifty years, or until the com- 
ing of the steam railroads. It has many interesting 
associations and an interesting history. An illustration 
of the place appears in this volumn. 

In the early times there was an enormously large elm 
standing near this tavern, under which the Indians were 
accustomed to gather for counsel and social intercourse. 
The old Hunter Tavern was one of the stopping places 
of the drovers when the cattle and other animals were 
taken on foot to the eastern markets. The building is 
still standing, with some changes, most of which are of the 
interior. 




OLD ST. PETER S CHURCH 




CHAPTER IV 

NOTES, PERSONS AND CHURCHES 

IN 1806 Robert Dill settled in Auburn. He 
came from New York, where he married and 
where for some years the Dill family had 
lived. Ten years prior to his settlement in 
the village Mr. Dill bought eleven hundred 
acres of land, all of which is now within the city. He pur- 
chased lot 37, six hundred acres, lying in the northwestern 
section of the present city, also five hundred acres of lot 
number forty-six which adjoined the six hundred acres on 
the south. His land holdings, therefore, extended to the 
north and south limits of the city. 

Robert Dill was a man of marked force of character, pro- 
gressive, broad minded and full of energy and enterprise. 
He was a builder and a helper in every movement for the 
advancement of the little village. He gave sites for 
several early schools, among them that of the Auburn 
Academy early in 1811, and the land upon which the 
prison is now located was donated by his estate. He 
erected a saw mill and aided in establishing other indus- 
tries in town. The lumber for the building of the first 
State street bridge was cut on his land and sawed at one of 
his mills. 

In 1809 Mr. Dill erected what was then styled a mansion 
at the corner of West Genesee and Washington streets. 



68 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Washington street was then nothing more than a lane, and 
the present Fort street was a cow path. The Dill home 
was situated at the summit of the ascent on the street and 
was in consequence called "Mount House." 

Robert Dill married in 1804 Miss Eliza Mapes, and for a 
time after settling in Auburn the family lived on North 
street. They had five children, Major John B., Caroline, 
Deborah, James and Robert. Mr. Dill died January 24, 
1813, and sometime later his widow married Dr. Joseph T. 
Pittney of the village. Robert Dill's early death was a 
grievous loss to the struggling community. 

Watrous Pomeroy, who, on account of his hotel connec- 
tions and various other associations and interests, became 
a man of some public note. He was a carpenter and 
builder and erected some of the more or less prominent 
buildings in early times. He erected a building at the 
corner of North and Genesee Streets and later in 1808 built 
a block for Jonathan Russell on Exchange street. 

In 1805 Elijah Esty arrived in town and bought the 
Daniel Hyde tannery on North street. Esty built up a 
prosperous business there which he continued for a number 
of years. 

In 1808 and 1809 William Brown, Dr. Joseph T. Pittney, 
and John H. Beach became residents of Auburn. Mr. 
Beach was later a prominent citizen. He was identified 
with many enterprises and represented the County in the 
State Legislature. He was also active in the organization 
of the Bank of Auburn in 1817. 

Dr. Pittney became a physician of more than ordinary 
reputation, and was one of the controlling spirits in the 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 69 

affairs and the movements of one kind or another in the 
village. He was one of the early presidents of the village, 
and was actively interested in many business enterprises. 

Dr. Pittney in 1818 erected the home in Genesee street 
which later became the home of his son-in-law, Christopher 
Morgan, Secretary of State. It was a handsome residence, 
occupying a conspicuous site above the street level. The 
house is still intact, except some slight changes and addi- 
tions. Dr. Pittney married the widow of Robert Dill. 
She died in the house in 1820. 

In 1810 Samuel C. Dunham and Elisha Pease became 
business men in the town. Pease was a merchant and 
both he and Dunham were influential citizens. 

In spite of the cares, the struggles and hardships of 
pioneer days, there never was any lack of patriotism. It 
was as deep-seated and as serious as was their religion. 
This, of course, was intensified by the memory of the 
recent struggle for independence. 

The Independence day celebration of 1804 at Harden- 
bergh's Corners, the first celebration in the new town, was 
in some respects a unique affair. The country as yet was 
sparcely settled and the roads leading to the Corners were 
little more than suggestions, yet from every direction they 
were on hand to give zest and life to the demonstration. 
Capt. James Wilson with a militia band from Brutus was 
also present to add to the interest and attraction. The 
citizens early in the day raised a large liberty pole, but 
there was not a flag in the community to unfurl. In this 
emergency Daniel Hyde procured an expansive piece of 
red silk which was attached and raised to the top of the 



70 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

pole. Among some of those present this was the challenge 
for a fight. They thought it was a British flag, and a 
British flag flying in the free atmosphere of free America, 
and at Hardenbergh Corners, was unthinkable. An envoy 
was at once dispatched to Col. Hardenbergh with the 
terrifying information, and he, in great anger and resent- 
ment, ordered it shot down. But the offending red rag 
was speedily removed and the celebration proceeded with 
the spirit of the period. Rev. David Higgins, the first 
minister in town, delivered an address in the yellow school 
house at the corner of Genesee and South Streets, and 
afterwards a great public dinner was served to the out of 
town pioneers. 

In the afternoon of this day a ball was given at Bost- 
wick's new tavern at the corner of Genesee and Exchange 
streets. The Committee of Arrangements was composed 
of Dr. Hackaliah Burt, Daniel Hyde, John H. Carpenter, 
Dr. Ellis, and Zephaniah Caswell. It was a memorable 
occasion and a history making day for Hardenbergh 
Corners. 

It was in 1804 too that the agitation for the establish- 
ment of a permanent county seat began in all quarters of 
the county. The County of Cayuga had been legally 
organized since March 8, 1799, and meanwhile the Courts 
had been held mostly at Aurora. In this year a law was 
passed authorizing the establishment of a county seat, also 
appropriating $1500 for the erection of county buildings. 
The committee chosen under this act, after devoting some 
time to the matter, designated Sherwood Corners. But 
this act was annulled and the following March, 1805, a new 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 71 

commission was appointed for the service. This was com- 
posed of Edward Savage, of Washington County, James 
Burt, of Orange County, and James Hildreth, of Mont- 
gomery County. Naturally there were many aspirants for 
the county seat distinction. Aurora disliked to lose its 
hold on it, Cayuga desired it, and Sherwood Corners, 
Levanna, and Clarksville, besides Auburn, were seeking 
the honor. This was the year that the name of the Village 
was changed from Hardenbergh Corners to that of Auburn, 
thus giving the place greater dignity and a stronger claim 
to the county seat. 

After due investigation, the commission decided the 
matter in June, 1805, in favor of Auburn. Col. Harden- 
bergh was a factor in bringing about this decision. Wil- 
liam Bostwick thereupon gave an acre of land upon which 
to erect the county seat buildings. 

It is recorded in this connection that in consideration of 
the conveyance of the land, Dr. Hackaliah Burt, Henry 
Ammerman, John H. Cumpston and Daniel Hyde paid 
Mr. Bostwick two hundred dollars. Meanwhile the 
Supervisors, having refused to appropriate funds for the 
erection of a county building, the citizens of Auburn 
undertook the task of raising the necessary money. The 
first Court House and jail as an outcome of this action was 
finally completed in 1808 at a cost of $1,000. It was a 
wooden structure two stories high and painted white. 
The first floor contained the jail and the jailer's living 
apartments. 

A little later, however, the State Legislature awakened 
to the importance of the matter and, as a result, funds 



72 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

sufficient to reimburse the subscribers to the first building 
fund were appropriated, and a Committee named to com- 
plete the building, pay over the money to the subscribers 
and secure title to the property. This committee con- 
sisted of John Grover, Stephen Close, and Noah Olmsted. 
May 17th of that year the first Court was held in Auburn 
in the new Court house, and the Justices presiding at this 
Court were Elijah Price, Barnabas Smith, Charles Kellogg 
and Willam C. Bennett. The first jailer was Israel Reeveh 
who rtigned as jailer during a period of eleven years, and 
a very genial jailor he was, it is said. 

In 1807 an act was passed authorizing a County Clerk's 
office, and an appropriation of $800 was made for the 
erection of the building. The amount was insufficient to 
complete it, however, but the building, although incom- 
pleted, served until 1814 when another appropriation was 
made to finish the work. It was, of course, a very unpre- 
tentious structure, yet it comported fairly with the Court 
House standing beside it. 

Peter Hughes was the first County Clerk chosen. He 
located in Auburn before the Clerk's Ofiice was yet ready 
for occupancy, therefore, the records meanwhile were kept 
at his residence. From 1794 to this time all records were 
housed at Aurora. By 1830 the County Clerk's office 
building was almost a wreck on account of faulty construc- 
tion, and the Legislature that year appropriated another 
$1,000, for the erection of a new and better building. 
Nathaniel Garrow and Walter Weed were named as a 
commission to superintend the work. This was a small 
stone structure which served until January, 1883, at which 




OLD FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

Erected 1815. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 73 

time the present substantial Clerk's Office was completed 
and occupied. The present Court House, a stone structure 
with much architectural beauty, was erected in 1836, and 
the jail, a modern building, was built in 1900. 

The location of the County seat at Auburn gave prestige, 
strength and added life to the village. Col. Hardenbergh 
had reluctantly consented to the elimination of his name 
when the question of discarding the cumbersome title of 
Hardenbergh Corners arose in 1805. Many names were 
proposed and Dr. Crossett, it is said, suggested the name, 
Auburn, which was finally adopted, probably with no 
intention of perpetrating a parody on Goldsmith's ideal 
village. 

Auburn as the county seat at once attracted many 
lawyers from other places in the county and some from 
places beyond the county border. Several had already 
located in town while it was yet Hardenbergh Corners. 
Samuel D. Lockwood was the first and then came Daniel 
Kellogg in 1801. Kellogg at once took a foremost place in 
the profession and in the affairs of the village and county. 
Moses Sawyer was associated with Mr. Kellogg in the 
practice of law. Richard L. Smith soon entered their office 
as a student and later became District Attorney, and at 
one time was editor of the Auburn Gazette. 

ENOS T. THROOP 

Another member of the early bar who attained much 
distinction was Hon. Enos T. Throop, who settled in 
Auburn about 1806. He became a partner of Judge 
Joseph Richardson. Mr. Throop made rapid headway 



74 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

in his profession, in a few years becoming well known 
throughout the State. He was interested and active in 
public affairs locally and statewide. In 1829 he was 
nominated and elected Governor of the State, and after the 
close of his official service he continued in close touch with 
the political affairs of the State and the general Govern- 
ment. 

Governor Throop established the beautiful estate on the 
east side of Owasco lake, known as the Throop-Martin 
place, and later as Willowbrook. The situations and the 
surroundings, coupled with the marked social qualities and 
hospitality of the resident family, rendered it a delightful 
place to sojourn. The place from time to time in the past 
has housed many world distinguished persons. The 
Chinese Ambassador, the Japanese Ambassador, the 
Ambassador from Great Britain, President Andrew Jack- 
son, President U. S. Grant, Gen. Custer, Gen. James 
Steadman, Admiral Farragut and Major Gen. Lovell, 
H. Rousseau of Kentucky. 

It was Gen. Rousseau who, during the Civil War, raised 
in his native town a regiment for the defense of the Union. 
When the troops were about ready to leave Louisville the 
mayor of that city sent a messenger to the General with the 
suggestion that in view of the bitter feeling and the likeli- 
hood of trouble, it would be wise not to march his troops 
through the streets of the city. Gen. Rousseau said to the 
messenger: "You go back and tell the mayor that my 
soldiers will march through the main street of the city, and 
if a hair of one of their heads is harmed, there won't be a 
building left standing in Louisville tonight!" iVnd his 
troops marched out through the city unmolested. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 75 

Besides those mentioned, many other distinguished 
persons have been guests at Willowbrook. 

GEORGE B. THROOP 

George B. Throop was born in Johnstown, N. Y., in 
1793. He located in Auburn as early as 1812 and read 
law in the office of Hon. Enos T. Throop. After his admis- 
sion to the bar, he formed a co-partnership with Samuel D. 
Lockwood, Auburn's first lawyer. In 1815 Mr. Throop 
was appointed postmaster of Auburn and served until 
1823. He was State Senator from 1828 to 1831. In 1833 
Mr. Throop was chosen cashier of the Cayuga County 
Bank and served with ability until 1840. He died in 
Detroit in 1847. 

By the year 1810 Auburn had become something of an 
industrial center. There were then five saw mills, four 
grist mills, three distilleries, two carding mills, two fulling 
mills, one linseed oil mill and one triphammer forge. 
Along the outlet there were six dams. 

The first dam was that built by Col. Hardenbergh and 
the second was built by Elisha T. Swift. The first dam 
on the site of what is now known as the "big dam" was 
built by Daniel Hyde in 1808. Jehial Clark, in order to 
promote the interest of his community, early constructed 
two dams on the outlet. In addition to the above indus- 
tries, there were in the year mentioned three tanneries, 
two potasheries, two chairmakers, two wagon makers, two 
blacksmiths and two saddlers. Besides, there were four 
taverns, six merchants, two match makers, three shoe 
makers and two tailors. But as yet there was no churchy 



76 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

although a Presbyterian clergyman was stationed in the 
viUage and services were held in the school houses or at the 
Court house. 

Gov. Clinton visited Auburn in the year 1810 and later 
described the place in considerable detail. The same year 
a noted Irishman from Belfast, Ireland, spent a little time 
in the village. Eight years later he published in Belfast 
an account of his visit and observations and drew a horo- 
scope of the place, for which he predicted a great future. 

The year 1811 brought to the village Thomas Cooper, 
Chauncey Dibble, machinist, Stephen Van Anden, a tailor, 
Tillman and John S. Burt, who became merchants. That 
year also Dr. A. M. Bennett located in town. In 1812 Dr. 
Erastus Tuttle, Abraham Gridley, John Oliphant, Teri 
Rogers, Abel and Thadrack Terry, and a little later Daniel 
Elliott, Sylvanus Noble and George Casey became resi- 
dents. 

CHURCHES EARLY AND LATE 

The movement in the direction of religious worship and 
ehurch societies began soon after the founding of the town, 
although it was a considerable number of years before any 
society had the strength and membership to establish and 
build a church. 

In setting forth here the story of the early church socie- 
ties and church building in Auburn, it is not out of order to 
include a real living church, which in early times, was in 
the country but is now in the outskirts of the city. There- 
fore, in its relation at least it is a city organization. 

Sand Beach church by a decade of years antedates in 
organization any society or church organization in the 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 77 

village and city proper. Sand Beach church was first 
organized in 1796 and the church erected in 1797 at 
Brinkerhoff Point on Owasco lake. Sand Beach church 
was then called the Dutch Reformed Church and continued 
as such until 1810. It was at first a log edifice erected to 
meet the worshipful needs of the primitive settlement 
along the lake. It is reasonably safe to put it down, there- 
fore, as the first church erected in the state west of Schenec- 
tady. 

In 1810 the population in the lake region had increased 
to such an extent as to warrant the building of a new and 
larger church, and that year a frame church was built at 
Sand Beach and dedicated as Sand Beach Church. The 
doctrine of the Church in those days was of the most rigor- 
ous orthodox character and the preachers from time to 
time were virile exponents of that religious teaching. 
Conrad Ten Eyck was the first pastor at Sand Beach 
church and it is said that the church from Sunday to 
Sunday barely got cleared of the odor of the brimstone 
that he belched forth in his sermons. 

In 1850 a new and still more modern brick church was 
erected and now serves the society. The Rev. Dr. Samuel 
R. Brown was the first pastor of the new church. He was 
a strong character, possessing the qualities that make for 
a good preacher, a good pastor and a valued friend. He 
was pastor of the church eight years, during which time he 
also conducted Springside School. In 1859 Dr. Brown 
went as the first missionary from the United States to 
Japan. He left upon the Sand Beach society and the Com- 
munity an impress which has not to this day been effaced. 



78 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

It was a long time, however, after the Rev. David Irish, 
the Baptist divine, preached the first sermon in the com- 
munity, before a living church organization was effected 
in the village of Auburn. 

Missionaries of the different denominations visited the 
village and held services at the homes of some of the resi- 
dents, at the school houses, in rooms set aside for them in 
the taverns, and later in the Court house. 

The first religious services, it is put down, were held in 
William Bostwick's barn in 1802. The Rev. David Hig- 
gins of Connecticut, was the Missionary who conducted 
the services. And the Rev. Davenport Phelps performed 
a similar office in the interest of the Episcopalian denomi- 
nation. The Rev. Phelps was a missionary who had 
labored zealously in many pioneer communities in western 
New York. It was through his efforts that the first real 
church organization was effected in the village. 

ST. Peter's church 

From 1797 to 1803 there were ten or fifteen families in 
the Hardenbergh community of the Episcopal faith. 
These families were visited from time to time by mission- 
aries and services were occasionally held at the homes of 
some member of the little band. The Rev. Whitmore and 
the Rev. Philander Chase were missionaries in the western 
part of the State in those years and they often made occa- 
sion to visit Hardenbergh Corners and minister to the 
gathering on a Sunday. 

The Rev. Davenport Phelps visited the settlement from 
1803 and on for some time. He held services and adminis- 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 79 

tered the first baptism, this being Hiram Bostwick, the 
infant son of WilUam Bostwick. At this period the ser- 
vices were held usually at the school house, or in the large 
room of the Bostwick tavern. The society was incor- 
porated July 1st, 1805. Thus the work went on while 
the numbers increased from month to month. William 
Bostwick and Dr. Hackaliah Burt were assiduous workers 
in the cause and it was for the most part through their 
efforts that a concrete organization of the society was early 
brought about. They had valuable assistance from other 
members, however, added to which was a gift of $1,000 
from Trinity Church, New York. 

St. Peter's Church was organized at a meeting held in 
1808 at Dr. Hackaliah Burt's home. The Rev. Davenport 
Phelps conducted the service. Dr. Burt and William 
Vredenberg were chosen as first wardens, and Thomas 
Jeffries, Jonathan Booth, Timothy Hatch, William 
Bostwick, Jaduthan Higby, John Lake, John Person, and 
Ebenezer Phelps, were chosen vestrymen. From this time 
on the society rapidly grew in strength and membership, 
the Rev. Davenport Phelps continuing to minister to the 
spiritual needs of the society. 

In January, 1810, a meeting was held at which definite 
action was taken in the matter of building a church. 
William Bostwick, Dr. Hackaliah Burt and Ebenezer 
Phelps were appointed a committee to superintend the 
building of the first church erected in Auburn. 

William Bostwick donated the site for the church and 
which St. Peters now occupies. The first edifice was a 
plain wooden structure of moderate size, but adequate for 



80 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

the congregation at that period. The church was com- 
pleted and dedicated August 22, 1812, by the Rt. Rev. 
John Hobart. Bishop Hobart died at the Rectory Sep- 
tember 12, 1830, and was buried in his native state, 
Vermont. 

Rev. Davenport Phelps was the first rector of St. 
Peters, but he was succeeded April 30, 1812, by the Rev. 
William A. Clark and three years later the Rev. Dr. 
McDonold became the rector and remained until 1817. 
Dr. McDonold afterwards became president of Hobart 
College. He died in Geneva in 1830. 

The Rev. Dr. McDonold was succeeded as rector by 
Rev. William H. Northrop, who remained only a short 
time; then the Rev. Lucius Smith assumed the rectorship 
in 1819 and continued until 1823. There were several 
rectors of the church from this time up to the beginning of 
the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. John Brainard. The first 
church erected burned February 5th, 1832, and a new and 
larger church was at once erected and dedicated on August 
8th, 1833. This church was razed in 1869 to give place to 
the modern and handsome St. Peters of today. It was 
consecrated in 1870 by Bishop Huntington, who became 
Bishop in 1869. In 1873 Gen. John H. Chedell donated 
ten thousand dollars for the building of the tower upon the 
church, and in 1875 the chimes w^ere placed in this tower. 
In 1887 D. M. Osborne, Esq., presented to the society the 
memorial organ. 

The rectors since Dr. McDonold have been the Rev. 
William Lucas, Rev. C. W. Hackley, Rev. William Cros- 
well. Rev. Samuel Hanson Coxe, Jr., Rev. Walter Arault, 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 81 

Rev. E. H. Cressy, Rev. Charles Piatt, Rev. Joseph Pier- 
son, who remained only a short period. In 1863 Rev. 
John Brainard, D.D., succeeded to the rectorship and 
rounded out a career full of good deeds and great achieve- 
ments in church upbuilding welfare of forty -five years and 
at his death, November, 1909, left a deep and lasting 
impress upon the community he had served so faithfully 
and so long. 

DR. BRAINARD 

Dr. Brainard was born on June 4th, 1830, in Hartford, 
Connecticut, the son of Hezekiah and Rebecca Morgan 
Brainard. 

He was educated at Hartford Grammar School, Ches- 
hire, Connecticut, and entered Trinity College, Hartford, 
from which he graduated, receiving a degree of Bachelor of 
Arts in 185 1 . He began immediately the study of theology 
at Berkley Divinity School, now of Middleton, Connecti- 
cut, and was ordained deacon, December 18, 185'^. The 
following two years he spent as the Assistant Minister of 
Grace Church, Baltimore. He was ordained to the priest- 
hood at St. Pauls Church, Baltimore, May 18th, 185(5, and 
thereafter became Rector of St. James Church, Birming- 
ham, now Derby, Connecticut, where he continued until 
November, 1863. At the last named date he came to 
Auburn, then in the western diocese of the State of New 
York, having accepted the rectorship of St. Peters Church. 
Here he remained until his death on November '29th, 1909. 
During this long service the diocese of Western New York 
was divided and Auburn was included in the present dio- 
cese of Central New York. He attained diocesan honors. 



82 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

having been made Secretary and President of the standing 
committee of the diocese for a long period of years, and 
also having as a delegate, represented the diocese at 
several general conventions of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church. 

Under his administration St. Peters church grew from a 
comparatively small country parish to one of large and 
commanding influence in the diocese, having at the time 
of his death over seven hundred communicants. The 
present edifice was built and equipped with a chime of ten 
bells during his pastorate. 

He was a scholarly man of large sympathies, broad 
churchmanship, and genial personality, and during his 
long rectorate achieved great popularity and influence. 

Rev. Norton T. Houser succeeded Dr. Brainard in 1909 
and is carrying on the work with efficiency. 

ST. JOHNS CHURCH 

St. Johns Episcopal Church was organized in April, 
1868, about five years after Dr. Brainard became rector of 
St. Peters, and officiated there for a time. The church 
was an outgrowth from the original church. The site at 
the corner of East Genesee and Fulton streets was donated 
by Gen. Chedell, a beautiful location upon which now 
stands a handsome stone edifice. 

The first wardens of the church were Henry Wilson and 
William Lamey, and the vestrymen were Isaac L. Scoville, 
William F. Gibbs, C. M. Knight, J. M. Hurd, Rufus Sar- 
geant, Edward C. Marvine, George F. Bronson, and Henry 
Hall. 



"^W 




REV. DR. SAMUEL R. BROWN 

Earlv Pastor Sand Beach Church and Principal Springside School. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 83 

The first rector of the church was the Rev. James Stod- 
dard who assumed the duties in October, 1868. He was 
succeeded by the Rev. E. B. Tuttle and he later by Rev. 
Charles B. Hale, D.D. None of these remained long in 
charge of the parish. 

In 1871 Rev. W. N. Lord became rector and remained 
until 1878. He was then followed by the Rev. Francis 

A. D. Launt who continued until 1884. The Rev. James 

B. Murray succeeded him and since Dr. Murray, Rev. 
Clement Brown, Rev. Louis Post Franklin, Rev. Samuel 
McPherson, Rev. Ransome Church, and other whose con- 
nection with the parish was more or less brief. The present 
rector is the Rev. Guy P. Burleson. 

St. Johns is now a strong parish and has in its member- 
ship many earnest workers for good. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

As early as the year 1795 the few followers of the Presby- 
terian faith in the Hardenbergh settlement were accus- 
tomed to collect at a log house and have religious services. 
In the very early years the Presbyterians seem not to have 
been as strong numerically as were the Episcopalians. 
About this time the Rev. Daniel Thatcher, a missionary 
from New Jersey, ministered to a large section of the very 
sparsely inhabited Cayuga County. Hardenbergh Cor- 
ners was one of his visiting points. The Rev. Thatcher 
was followed in 1798 to 1801 by other missionaries, chiefly 
from New Jersey: Rev. Asa Hillger, Rev. Aaron Condit 
and later Rev. MathewPerrine, the latter several years sub- 
sequent becoming identified with the Theological Seminary. 



84 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

In like manner the affairs of the Presbyterians went on 
until 1802 and with little improvement, in fact, until still 
later. The Rev. David Higgins entered the field in 1801 
and acted as a missionary through a good part of Cayuga 
County, also holding meetings at the various places, 
including Hardenbergh Corners, once in four weeks. Rev. 
Higgins in 1802 settled at the Corners, and in the fall of 
1801 the first steps were taken toward the organization of 
the First Congregational Society of Auburn. The parish 
however, covered, besides Auburn, Half Acre, Grover 
settlement and Cayuga. 

Thus it went on until September, 1810, at which time a 
meeting was held at the Center House in Auburn and the 
Congregational Church organization was perfected, the 
establishment of the Auburn Church becoming effective in 
July, 1811. This was the beginning of the First Presby- 
terian Church. Rev. Mr. Higgins remained as pastor 
until February, 1813. He was succeeded by th Rev. 
Hackaliah Woodruff who carried on the work until 
1816. 

It was in 1816 that the Rev. Dr. D. C. Lansing became 
pastor of the First Church, continuing in charge until 1829. 
As pastor of the First Church and professor in the Auburn 
Theological Seimnary, Dr. Lansing became a conspicuous 
figure in the community. Like Conrad Ten Eyck of Sand 
Beach Church, Dr. Lansing's religious teaching was of the 
severest type. Yet he was a zealous worker and constant 
in his faith. 

Dr. Lansing was largely instrumental in founding the 
Theological Seminary and labored earnestly in its interest 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 85 

at a time when it needed strong helpers and supporters. 
Dr. Lansing died March 19, 1857. 

The first Church edifice was erected in 1815 on the site 
of the present First Church. The church was a large, 
wooden structure planned with the view of future growth, 
it may be assumed, for the congregation in 1815 was not 
large. Col. Hardenbergh donated the site and in other 
ways aided the struggling society. 

Rev. Dr. Lansing's successor was the Rev. Josiah Hop- 
kins who assumed the duties in 1830 and remained until 
1846; Rev. Henry A. Nelson, 1846 to 1856. The Rev. 
Dr. Charles Hawley was then chosen pastor and served the 
Congregation until 1885. 

Dr. Hawley was not only a strong preacher but a man of 
strong character, a distinguished scholar, of broad mind, a 
cultured gentleman with high ideals of life and citizenship. 
He attracted thinking people, and thus added strength to 
his church and success to his labors. It was during Dr. 
Hawley 's pastorate in 1869, that the new and greater 
First Presbyterian Church was erected at a cost of 
$140,000. The first church erected in 1815 cost about 
$17,000. This building was moved to Capital Hill, and 
became Calvary Church. The first Sunday School 
organized in Auburn took place in the old church in 1817. 
Rev. Dirck C. Lansing was the mover and organizer of the 
school. 

Dr. Hawley took up the work at a much later period but 
his labor was effective. He grew into the hearts of the 
people and the esteem of all who came in contact with him. 
His pastorate closed in 1885 and he died in Auburn, 1888. 



86 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Dr. Hawley was succeeded in 1886 by Rev. Dr. William 
H. Hubbard another strong man and an indefatigable 
worker. 

REV. WILLIAM HENRY HUBBARD, D.D. 

In the profession, or life work, chosen by Mr. Hubbard, 
there plainly was the influence of destiny. His success 
was so marked, so distinguished, that his ends seem to 
have been shaped by Divine power. 

Dr. Hubbard possessed the qualities that unquestion- 
ably would have made him successful in any pursuit other 
than the one chosen, in fact, he demonstrated this in a 
multitude of ways. He grappled nearly every problem in 
social, civic and business life, yet his great achievement 
was in the realm of Christian work and moral reform. In 
these fields of endeavor he left an impress and a record that 
will live in history and in the memory of all who knew him. 

Dr. Hubbard was born in Clark County, Kentucky, 
iVpril 16, 1851, son of William Henry Hubbard, who was a 
lawyer, and Anna Waite Hinds. He was descended ninth 
in the direct line from George Hubbard who came over 
from England and settled at Watertown, Mass., in 1633. 
At sixteen Dr. Hubbard graduated from the Louisville 
High School and entered Amherst College. The year 
previous, in 1866, he received his diploma from the Bryant 
and Strafford's Merchantile College at Louisville, having 
carried on this extra course in connection with his High 
School work. Graduating from Amherst at twenty years 
of age, he entered Andover Theological Seminary in the 
fall of 1871 for one year and later Princeton Theological 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 87 

Seminary for two years, where he was graduated in the 
class of 1874. He immediately accepted the pastorate of 
the first church offered him. This was at Rutland, Mass., 
where he performed earnest and efficient work for a little 
more than a year. At the end of this period he was called 
to the pastorate of the Congregational Church at Merri- 
mac, Mass. Here he labored with great success for seven 
years and a half, and laid the foundation of the career 
which later won distinction and honor. 

From Merrimac, Dr. Hubbard was called to the South 
Congregational Church at Concord, N. H. His work at 
Concord prospered in a great measure, meanwhile he 
engaged in social uplift measures and in the enforcement 
of the law. Soon the Second Congregational Church of 
Holyoke, Mass., extended him a call, and he became its 
pastor. Here he remained for one year during which 
time one hundred and forty were added to the Church 
membership. It was while at Holyoke that Dr. Hubbard 
met and married Miss Elizabeth Allen Skinner who 
became also his associate and helper in his future work. 

About this time the First Presbyterian Church of 
Auburn called Dr. Hubbard to become its pastor, and he 
assumed the duties in October, 1886. From this time on 
until his death, January 31, 1913, Dr. Hubbard's life was 
one of intense activity. During his pastorate 1800 were 
added to the Church membership, a debt of $8,000 was 
cleared, an endowment of $50,000 was raised, and the organ 
was enlarged. One of the dreams of his early pastorate 
was realized in the completion of a new Chapter House 
that would give the enlarged Sunday School better accom- 



88 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

modations. Not only did he busy himself in the upbuild- 
ing of the Church and in extending its usefulness, but also 
went out into the highways and byways in pursuance of 
the religious, civic and moral uplift of the community. 
He never spared himself; his only thought was of the 
great work there was for him to do and the limited time in 
which to accomplish it. His heart and energy were 
devoted to every good cause. Moreover, he was active in 
City affairs. He served with ability and efficiency on the 
Board of Charities; he was closely identified with the 
Business Men's Association and served it ably in various 
capacities. For five years Dr. Hubbard was Editor and 
Publisher of the Assembly Herald of the Presbyterian 
Church, also for three years Editor and Publisher of the 
Gospel Message. In this work, as in all others, Dr. Hub- 
bard evinced the strength and the same high ideals of 
Christian character. 

In addition to all these, Dr. Hubbard served as Modera- 
tor of the Cayuga Presbytery and was for many years an 
active and helpful member of the Board of Trustees of the 
Auburn Theological Seminary. He was also a member of 
the Executive Commission of the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church, and on account of his demonstrated 
executive ability he was made Executive Secretary of this 
Commission. The duties of the office were so arduous 
and so exacting that Dr. Hubbard in 1911 resigned the 
pastorate of the Church in order to devote his time more 
fully to the appointed service. Meanwhile his interest in 
the Church abated not a degree nor in any other move- 
ment for good. 




REV. WILLIAM H. HUBBARD, D.D. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 89 

That his work was appreciated was evidenced by the 
following expression from the Joint Executive Committee 
of the Executive Commission: 

"The Committee wishes to place on record its apprecia- 
tion of the faithful, efficient and painstaking labors of Rev. 
William H. Hubbard, D.D. He brought to the work of the 
Committee a great aptitude for dealing with matters 
financial; a clear, clean-cut conviction of the necessity of 
developing in the individual church, systematic beneficence 
a full knowledge of the whole subject from e\^ery point of 
view; a deep and abiding interest not only in the entire 
Church, but in particular in the smaller and weaker 
churches, and a burning passion for all the work of the 
Church so that the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ might be advanced at home and abroad: 
*A workman that needeth not to be ashamed'." As one 
of the religious papers. The Continent, stated, "The 
Church will no doubt wait long to see again his like for 
generous devotion, but the imprint of his intense crusade 
will always be found upon Presbyterianism." 

Dr. Hubbard was a man of wonderful physical and 
mental force, and he strained them to the breaking point 
in his desire to work out the problems which confronted 
him. The days seemed not to be long enough for him to 
accomplish the many tasks he set for himself. His was a 
busy life, and he literally wore himself out in the work. 

Upon the retirement of Dr. Hubbard the Rev. Charles 
Gorman Richards become the pastor and is now serving. 



90 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

The Second Presbyterian Church had its beginning as 
early as 1828. It sprang from the First Church and 
active and influential people as its founder. The first 
elders were William Brown, Abajiah Fitch, John T. 
Hagaman, Horace Hills, Truman J. McMaster, George C. 
Skinner, and Henry Teft. A site was that year purchased 
on South street and in 1829 the society began the erection 
of the church which is still the society's home of worship, 
a building quite unique in architecture yet classic in 
appearance. 

The church was completed and dedicated in 1830. The 
Rev. Daniel Axtel was ordained pastor upon completion of 
the church and continued until 1836. The Rev. Leonard 
Lathrop succeeded him in November of that year and 
remained until 1851. 

Here there appears to have been a period of nearly two 
years without a pastor, for the Rev. Edward D. Morris 
became pastor in January, 1853, and remained until 
November, 1855. Ezra Huntington, D.D., professor in 
the Seminary, supplied the pulpit from 1855 to 1858. 
The Rev. Henry Fowler succeeded him and continued as 
pastor until 1861. Rev. Samuel Boardman was pastor 
from 1862 to 1877; W. H. Albright 1879 to 1887; Rev. 
Edward Sprague, 1887 to 1895; Rev. J. Wilson Brainard, 
1896 to 1907. Here was another interval when the 
church was without a pastor. In 1909 Rev. Allen M. 
Dulles, D.D., became the pastor and is now ministering 
to the congregation. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 91 

The Central Presbyterian Church organization had its 
inception in the year beginning of the Civil War, and the 
sentiment growing out of the paramount issue in that 
struggle was an element in the forming of the new church 
society. Its promoters and founders, in great part were 
abolitionists who had broken away from other church 
connections on account of the diverse opinions held upon 
the subject by their church associates. 

Rev. Henry Fowler the first pastor of the new church 
w^as vigorous anti-slavery advocate and voiced the senti- 
ment with great energy and earnestness. 

The first meeting to effect an organization of the society 
was held in December, 1861, over which Prof. S. M. Hop- 
kins presided. During the year 1862, the society held its 
services in the Y. M. C. A. In October of that year a site 
was purchased at the corner of William and Genesee 
streets. A basement chapel was at once constructed for 
temporary use, which served the needs of the society until 
1870. In 1868 the site upon which the church now stands 
on William street was purchased and the following year the 
erection of the church was begun. It was completed and 
dedicated in 1870. In 1885 large extensions were made to 
provide parlors, chapel and session room. The cost 
amounted to above $70,000. The church is now strong 
and prosperous. 

The Rev. Henry Fowler was its pastor from 1861 to 
1871; Henry F. Hickok, 1872-1875; Rev. Samuel 
Duffield, 1876-1878; Rev. Charles G. Hemmingway, 
Ph.D., 1879-1891; Rev. Frederick W. Palmer, 1893, is the 
present pastor. 



92 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

When the present First Presbyterian Church was built 
in 1869-1870, the discarded church was moved to Capital 
Hill and became Calvery Church. The society was 
organized in 1870 and the Rev. H. S. Huntington became 
its first pastor, and remained in charge until 1876. Prof. 
Wm. Hopkins then acted as a supply until May of that 
year at which time the Rev. Dr. M. W. Stryker was in- 
stalled as pastor, but he was soon thereafter elected presi- 
dent of Hamilton College,t hus leaving the church without 
a pastor. The Rev. Dr. George B. Stewart supplied the 
pulpit for a considerable time. Since that time the pastors 
have been the Rev. Frank Hinman, Rev. A. S. Haster, 
Rev. E. H. Adriance, Rev. WilHam E. Roe, D.D., and in 
1908, the Rev. Vernon N. Yergin, who is the present 
pastor. 

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

Westminster Presbyterian church had its beginning 
when both the Central and the Second Presbyterian 
churches combined in the work of establishing a Sunday 
school on Baker Avenue. The Sunday School opened in 
May of that year and soon had enrolled seventy-five pupils. 
The school grew and interest in the project strengthened 
until it crystallized into a church society. All the other 
Presbyterian churches gave efficient aid to the under- 
takings and this, with the generous contribution of Dr. 
Sylvester Willard, made it possible soon to erect a church 
at Genesee and Dele van streets, where an attractive chapel 
was erected in 1884. It was dedicated Nov. 30th of that 
year and was for some time known as Willard Chapel. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 93 

The pulpit of the Chapel at first was supplied by local 
pastors and members of the Theological Seminary faculty. 
In 1885 the Cayuga Presbytery held its session at the 
Chapel, at which time the church organization was per- 
fected under the title of Westminster Church. 

In June, 1885, Rev. Albert S. Hughey was engaged as 
pastor and ministered to the growing congregation until 
1889. He was followed in 1890 by the Rev. E. W. Twichell, 
1890-1892; Rev. O. T. Mather, 1893-97; Rev. Tracy B. 
Griswold, 1898-1902; Rev. Arthur McKay, 1903-1911; 
Rev. L. A. Losey succeeded him in 1911 and is still in 
charge. 

FIRST M. E. CHURCH 

The movement toward the formation of the First 
Methodist society in Auburn started several years subse- 
quent to the beginning of the denominations first men- 
tioned, and the promoters in this instance had a still 
greater struggle in getting established. When the society 
was organized in 1819, it had only fifty-one members, but 
finally a small, wooden building was erected on what is 
now Chapel street which, in face of many inconveniences, 
served the congregation until 1834. It was soon there- 
after sold to the Catholics, thus becoming the first church 
of that denomination in the village. 

In 1833 John Seymour, Esq., and Tallmage Cherry 
erected at the corner of North and Water streets a church 
which they conveyed to the First Methodist Church 
society. The Church issuing bonds in the sum of $10,000. 
In view of the failure to meet the payments as they became 
due, the purchaser of the bonds began proceeding for 



94 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

foreclosure. The society, however, had grown stronger 
so that finally the debt was paid. In 1867 the church was 
destroyed by fire, the society having upon it an insurance 
of $6,000. Before the close of the year of the disaster the 
church purchased a site on Exchange street upon which a 
very commodious church was at once erected at a cost of 
$35,000. It was dedicated in 1869. 

The first pastor of the little Chapel Street church was 
Rev. Gardner Baker. Later, when the society moved into 
its new church on North street, the Rev. William Searles, 
a man of much force and earnestness in his work was its 
pastor. Under his administration the church grew and 
prospered. Rev. I. H. Ives was called to the pastorate of 
the First Church in 1854. Dr. Ives performed valuable 
service for the church. He increased its membership and 
greatly strengthened the financial conditions of the Wall 
street church. He remained in charge until 1856. The 
church has had many other earnest and able workers in the 
cause of Christianity. 

WALL STREET CHURCH 

The Wall Street M. E. Church was established in 1854 
through the efforts of Dr. Ives, as a means to better 
accommodate a large section in the northeastern part of 
the city. The first board of trustees were chosen Aug. 25, 
1856, was composed of the following: William Barnes, 
Alonzo Munsell, T. J. Francis, W. H. Halliday, and J. W. 
Haight. Dr. Ives and Alonzo Munsell were appointed a 
committee to secure a suitable place to hold services. A 
building located at the corner of Washington and Seymour 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 95 

streets was secured where the thirty-seven members then 
composing the society, worshipped until 1859. Various 
clergymen officiated at different times, Dr. Ives acting as 
a supply a part of the time in the earlier period of its 
beginning. The building of the Wall Street Church was 
begun in 1859 and completed in the spring of 1860. From 
this time on the Church grew in membership until now it 
is a strong organization. The first pastor in 1857 was the 
Rev. William Reddy. The Rev. James Britten is the 
present pastor. 

TRINITY CHURCH 

Trinity Methodist Church, one of the handsomest 
church edifices in Auburn was begun in 1906 and com- 
pleted in 1907. 

The Church society, however, was organized in 1885, 
having been an outgrowth of the First Church. The 
First Church also gave effective aid in establishing the new 
church. The movement for the building of a church on 
the east hill was with the view of better accommodation 
for the large number of worshippers in that section of the 
city. At the first meeting held in the interest of the 
project a committee was named consisting of Thomas 
Jones, John F. Driggs, C. A. Porter, and C. E. Parker to 
procure a site for the erection of a church. In September 
of that year a lot at the corner of East Genesee and Evans 
street was bought upon which a chapel was erected and 
was ready for occupancy in the fall of 1886. A meeting 
was early called at the house of C. A. Porter, at which the 
trustees of the society were chosen as follows: C. E. 



96 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Parker, C. A. Porter, A. S. Martin, W. L. Tuller, and R. S. 
Broad. The new organization was to be known as Trinity 
Church and accordingly a charter was at once filed in the 
County Clerk's office. 

In October, 1886, the Rev. Arthur Copeland was 
installed as the first pastor. At the close of the first year 
the church had one hundred and forty members. Rev. 
Mr. Copeland remained until 1889, when he was succeeded 
by Rev. Charles E. Babcock. 

The present church was erected at a cost of $55,000. It 
is now a healthy and prosperous church. The present 
pastor of Trinity is the Rev. Victor S. Britten. 

ZION M. E. CHURCH 

The Organization of Zion Church was effected as early 
as 1840, but the society was without a permanent place of 
worship until 1891. The members held meetings in 
different school houses and in vacant buildings from time 
to time. However, in 1891, Rev. Johnson Joseph began 
a campaign which resulted in the Society's erecting a very 
adequate and comfortable church at the corner of West 
Genesee and Parker streets. The Church now holds 
regular services and has a regular pastor. Rev. J. W. 
Polk is the present pastor. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 

The inception of the First Baptist Church dates from 
1817. In that year a small number of adherents of the 
faith met at the home of J. James Randall and by the 
action there taken constituted themselves a body known 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 97 

as the Auburn Baptist Conference. Early in the year 1818 
this body appointed a meeting to be held at the Court 
House on December 26, of that year to perfect the organiza- 
tion. This, however, did not complete it. At a meeting 
held February 17, 1819, the First Baptist Church was con- 
stituted by a counsel composed of the churches of Aurelius, 
Brutus, Mentz and Owasco. Up to 1819 the church 
society had no regular pastor but that year Elder Elkanah 
Comstock was engaged on a half time basis, and in this 
manner he served them ten months. In 1820 Rev. C. P. 
Wyckoff became the regular pastor. The first meeting 
under his ministration was held June 4, 1820, at the Court 
House. Rev. Wyckoff continued as pastor until 1828. 
He was succeeded in 1830 by the Rev. John Blain. In 
1825 a small church was built at the junction of South and 
Exchange streets, which was occupied until 1830. 

By this time the church membership had so increased 
that a new and larger stone church was erected on Genesee 
street, a little west of the outlet. By 1883 the congrega- 
tion had again outgrown the Church and the present large 
stone edifice corner west Genesee and James streets was 
erected. It is now one of the strong and flourishing 
churches of the city. It was dedicated in October, 1887, 
and cost about $70,000. 

The pastors since Rev. Wyckoff have been: Rev. J. M. 
Graves, 1833-35; Rev. L. S. Parrer, 1835-1838; Rev. 
James Johnson, 1839-1840; Rev. Alfred Pinney, 1841- 
1843; Dr. J. S. Backus, 1843-1850; Rev. W. P.Patteson, 
1851-1855; Rev. A. M. Hopper, D.D., 1857-1859; Rev. 
P. P. Bishop, 1861-1868; Rev. W. H. Maynard, D.D., 



98 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

1869-1875; Rev. Willard H. Robinson, 1876-1881; The 
pulpit was then supphed for a short time. Since that time 
the church has had as pastors, Rev. Joseph K. Dixon, 
Rev. Dr. Robert G. Seymour, Rev. Giles H. Hubbard, 
D.D., Rev. A. W. Bourne, who assumed the pastorate 
in 1904 and is still in charge. 

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH 

The Second Church was the outcome of a Mission 
established in Francis street in 1867, by E. L. Lord and 
Stephen C. Hoyt, through the influence and aid of the 
Y. M. C. A. In June, 1868, the organization was turned 
over to the First Baptist Church. The Sunday School 
in connection with the new society was held that year at 
the home of Thomas Hale, on Augustus Street. By 1869 
the membership increased to a sufiicient number to war- 
rant the building of a chapel at the corner of Owasco and 
Lazette streets. 

The organization continued with pulpit supplies until 
1879 when the Second Baptist Church was finally organ- 
ized. In 1882 the new and larger church was begun at the 
corner of Genesee and Owasco streets, and was completed 
and dedicated in 1884. 

Rev. Mr. Wilkins was the first pastor in the new church, 
beginning in 1885. Since that time the successive pastors 
have been Rev. O. E. Coxe, Rev. Frank D. Pinney, Rev. 
F. Vebb, Rev. Arthur C. Watkins, Rev. Amos Nay lor, 
Rev. A. A. NeUis, and Rev. E. L. Jones, who was installed 
in 1909 and remained until the close of 1912. He was 
succeeded by the Rev. L. N. Girritt, D.D., who is now the 
pastor. 









OLD FIRST M. E. CHURCH 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 99 

EMANUEL BAPTIST 

Emanuel Baptist church grew out of the Second Baptist 
there being a desire to provide a place of worship for a large 
number of its members living in the south-eastern section 
of the city. The movement in the undertaking began 
April 15, 1888, at which time the church was organized. 
It was at once called Emanuel Baptist church. The early 
meetings of the organization were held in College Hall and 
Seminary Chapel, and the first preacher was F. W. Lock- 
wood, of Rochester Theological Seminary. In June, 1888, 
he w^as chosen as the regular pastor of the new church. A 
little later the organization purchased a lot on Owasco 
Street and erected a handsome chapel in which to worship. 
In July, 1901, after it had been cleared of all indebtedness, 
the church was dedicated and recognized as a regular 
independent Baptist Church. The Church is now active 
and prosperous under the pastorate of Rev, C. L. Dakin. 

CHURCH OF CHRIST 

As early as 1829 action was taken toward the organiza- 
tion of this society, when Deacon Peck and Edward Allen, 
living in the section early known as Clarksville, made a 
movement for the foundation of a church of the Disciples 
of Christ. They began by holding meetings in a stone 
school house on Division street. At that time the little 
society was in alliance with the Throopsville church and 
so continued until the society became sufficiently strong 
to form a separate church. In 1849 this organization was 
effected and incorporated as the first Congregation of 
Christ, of Auburn. 



100 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

A wooden structure was erected in 1851 on Division 
Street. It is said that Pres. Garfield once preached there 
when a young man. Rev. Ira L. Parvin is the present 
pastor. 

ST. LUCAS CHURCH 

St. Lucas German Evangehcal Church had its begininng 
in 1873 and through several succeeding years, when 
believers in that religious faith held meetings at private 
homes. In 1879 an organization was perfected and a 
pastor installed, Rev. George Field being the first pastor. 
For several years thereafter meetings were held at various 
places, among them the Seminary Chapel. In 1881 with 
the aid of stronger outside churches, a small but neat 
church was erected on Seminary Avenue. Rev. Feld was 
pastor of the church until 1895, at which time Rev. Adel- 
bert E. Helm succeeded him. The next pastor was Rev. 
Theodore Braim, and the present pastor is Rev. Carl Loos. 

THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 

The beginning of the Universalist church dates back to 
1805 when Lyman Paine settled in iVuburn as a pioneer. 
He was the father and founder of the church and one of its 
earnest supporters until his death in 1853. 

The early meetings of the followers of that faith were 
held at Lyman Paine's house, the first sermon having been 
preached in his kitchen by the Rev. Paul Dean in 1812. 
Mr. Paine then lived on North street and the little handful 
of worshippers could gather in a small room with no great 
discomfort, as the congregation comprised not more than 
twenty persons. 




FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 101 

For several years thereafter there was only preaching 
now and then by some itinerant missionary, and like the 
other struggling church organizations, the meetings for 
several years were held at private homes or in the school 
houses. In 1815 Rev. Nathaniel Stacy visited Auburn 
and preached and received not a very cordial reception 
from the residents, other than the followers of the faith. 

An organization was finally effected with Elijah Swift, 
George Standert and Lyman Paine as trustees. The 
society was known as the First Universalist Society of 
Auburn. There were then twenty -nine members. At a 
meeting held in December, 1822, at the home of Jarvis 
Swift, a committee was appointed to procure a suitable 
site for a church. In 1823 the movement for the raising of 
funds was started, meanwhile, there was occasional preach- 
ing by Isaac Whitnall, Henry Roberts and others that 
came along from time to time. The Cayuga Association 
of Universalists was organized in Auburn in 1822 and the 
Rev. Mr. Everett was the first regular pastor to assume 
charge in 1827. The society grew rapidly under his 
ministration. In 1829 Rev. Augustus Bronson became 
the pastor and did effective work for some time. After 
the departure of Rev. Bronson, the society dwindled until 
1833 when it was revived and a movement started again 
to purchase the church previously occupied by the First 
Baptist society. A meeting was held at the Western 
Exchange Hotel in April, 1833, and a new organization 
was perfected with a new board of trustees composed of 
Allen Worden, Ezekiel Williams, William H. CoflBn, John 
G. Paul, Josiah Barber, Salmon Tyler, Ethan A. Warden, 



102 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Jar vis Swift and Stephen Lombard. Soon after this the 
old Baptist edifice at the junction of South and Exchange 
streets was purchased and since that date the society has 
had a house of worship of its own. From this time on the 
church prospered until it has now become one of the 
representative churches of the city. In 1847 a new and 
handsome church was dedicated at the corner of South 
and Compston, now Lincoln streets. 

The first pastor in 1833 was the Rev. George W. 
Montgomery and the present pastor is the Rev. Arnold S. 
Yantis. The Universalist church has had some able 
preachers and many earnest workers. Lucretia Mott fre- 
quently preached in this church. 

HOLY FAMILY CHURCH 

The foundation of Catholicity in Auburn dates from 
1810, although the denomination had no church until 
nearly twenty years later. 

John O'Connor and Hugh Ward were settlers in the 
village in 1810, and through their efforts the first Catholic 
service in Western New York was held in Auburn. John 
O'Connor was a man of much force of character and fairly 
well to do. After six years residence in the village without 
the visitation of a priest, he requested Rt. Rev. Bishop 
Connelly, of New York, to send a priest to Auburn to say 
mass. Mr. O'Connor offered to defray all the expenses. 
In response Rev. John Gorman was sent to Auburn in 1816 
and said mass at Mr. O'Connor's house, which was then 
situated on Water street. From this time on for several 
years mass was celebrated in Auburn, worshippers coming 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 103 

from Geneva, Seneca Falls and Ithaca to attend. In 18^0 
Father Gorman visited Auburn again, said mass in the 
Court House and baptized several children. Meanwhile 
Mr. O'Connor was the moving spirit in securing per- 
manently a priest to minister to the spiritual needs of the 
little colony of Catholics in the community. Mr. O'Con- 
nor was the grandfather of Rev. Father John J. Hickey, 
now pastor of the Holy Family Church. 

In 1825 Father Kelly, of Rochester, visited Auburn to 
celebrate Mass, and in 1828 Rev. Dr. Farron performed 
the same services several times. They were followed by 
Father McNamara and Father Hayes of Salina. In 1829 
Father O 'Donahue began his labors in the village and soon 
thereafter purchased the chapel vacated by the First 
Methodist Society on Chapel street. The Church was 
dedicated in September, 1830, under the name of the 
Church of the Holy Family. John O'Connor, Hugh 
Ward, Thomas Hickson, and Daniel Lawler were the first 
trustees. Father O'Donahue was later succeeded by 
Father Connelly and he by Rev. Father Grace, who died in 
1844. Father Bradley came as the next pastor and after- 
wards Father O 'Flaherty was appointed and remained in 
charge until 1856. Father Creedon succeeded him in 
1857 and in 1861 he erected the beautiful Holy Family 
Church as it stands today on North street. Later Rev. 
Father Creedon was transferred to Elmira and Rev. James 
McGlew became pastor. After two years Father McGlew 
was sent elsewhere and Father O'Flaherty again became 
pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Martin Kavanaugh in 
1869 who remained until 1874. Father Kavanaugh 



104 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

established the parochial school and did much more to 
advance the interests of the Church. Then came Rev. 
Edward McGowan and after him, Rev. William Seymour 
who continued until his death in 1895. 

Rev. Father John J. Hickey, the present rector, suc- 
ceeded Father Seymour in 1895 and during his pastorate 
many improvements in the church and the school have 
been made. He has bought and cleared away the very 
unsightly building on the corner adjoining the church and 
has erected the two handsome church towers and put in 
the church the beautiful stained glass windows, and con- 
structed the large sacristy. It is now one of the fine 
churches of the city. 

ST. Mary's church 

St. Mary's Church came about as a result of a division of 
the Holy Family Church. This parish had become very 
large and popular and in order better to meet the needs 
Bishop McQuaid established St. Mary's of the Assump- 
tion, the Rev. Thomas Meagher being appointed the first 
pastor. For a short period of time services were held in a 
small building on State Street, but soon after Tillman's 
Hall was rented and services were conducted in the hall 
until the basement of the new church could be put in 
condition to use. 

Shortly after this the lot upon which the church now 
stands was purchased and a small wooden building was 
erected in which to hold services. The Rev. Dr. Myles 
J. Laughlin became the rector in September, 1869, by 
which time the Congregation had grown to the extent that 




JOHN O CONNOR 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 105 

a new and larger church was demanded. Dr. Laughlin at 
once took steps toward the erection of the new church. 
It was a problem very difficult to work out, in view of the 
great cost of the proposed church, and the limited re- 
sources. The church at the corner of Clark and Green 
streets was begun, however, in 1871. After much labor 
and effort the handsome stone structure was completed 
and dedicated in 1877 by the Bishop at a cost of $60,000. 
In 1877, Father Laughlin retired and soon thereafter 
Father William Mulheron was appointed to the rectorship, 
and served with great usefulness and ability until his death 
in February, 1913. 

Father Mulheron was a zealous and earnest worker. 
When he assumed the duties as pastor, the church was 
swamped with debt, yet he paid off the indebtedness and 
made many new additions and improvements. He erected 
the parochial school building at a cost of $8,000 and paid 
a mortgage of $6,000. He bought additional land and 
fixtures and fittings for the interior of the church. St. 
Mary's is now one of the fine churches of the city. 

ST. ALPHONSUS' CHURCH 

This Church was established in 1853 when about twenty 
German Catholics expressed a desire to have a church of 
their own, presided over by a German pastor. For a short 
time some of the Redemptionist Fathers from Rochester 
visited Auburn and performed services. Finally in 1854 
a small wooden church was erected on Wall street and 
Rev. Jacob Kanze was installed as pastor. He remained 
only a short time, however, and the church was then for 



106 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

sometime without a ptistor. In ISoo the Bishop appointed 
Rev. Dom Gujnuer as rector but he too remained only a 
short tmie. So it went on until 1S69 the ser\'ices being 
conducted from time to time by the Redemptionist 
Fathers. 

In the sixties the parish purchased the brick church in 
Water street whicli had been erected by the Adventist 
and in 1S66 the Sacrament of Confirmation was adminis- 
tered. In 1869 Rev, Charles Vogel became pastor, and 
through his efforts many improvements were made. The 
parish maintains a well equipped school. The church has 
had some strong and well educated priests and it has 
grown and broadened. Rev. Herbert Regenbogeu is now 
pastor. 

ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH 

One of the younger Catholic churches is that of St. 
Aloysius situated on Van Anden street. It was organized 
in 1901 by the Rev. John McGrath who has been its pastor 
since the church's foundation. It has already grown to be 
a prosi>erous and active parish. 

Rev. Father McGrath has added a school, a convent 
and a parish hall. 

ST. HYACIXTH's CHrRCH 

The newest Cathohc church was organized in 1905 to 
provide a place of worship for the PoUsh residents of the 
city. In 1906 a new Church was erected at a cost of 
$30,000. In combination with this is the parish school. 
Rev. H. J. Szupa is the pastor. The church has a con- 
siderable membership. 




CHAPTER V 

HISTORY — IXCORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE NEWSPAPERS 

[HE histor\' begins again at the year 181-2. This 
year happens to be especially memorable 
because it marked the beginning of the second 
war — the War of 181'2, in which many 
Auburnians had an active part. 
The military spirit seems to have been a conspicuous 
element in the life and histon' of Auburn. In what de- 
gree, if any, this is due to the fact that the to^Ti was estab- 
lished on Military land and foimded by a militant man, it 
is difficult to state. At any rate, it has been the center of 
militarv' activity and has furnished to the State and the 
Nation many distinguished miUtarj- men. 

In the War of 181^2 Auburn sent out four companies of 
militia and one company of regulars. At this time there 
were four companies quartered in Auburn, first, a cavalry 
company which had been recruited as early as 1804 by 
Capt. Trowbridge Allen. It seems to have been a verj^ 
popular company, due in some measure, to the attractive 
uniforms of the men which had many gaudy decorations 
thereon. At the time of going into service the company 
was in command of Capt. Bradley Tuttle. 

Then there was an infantry company whose date of 
organization was 1806. It was composed of a stalwart 
lot of men who promptly answered to the call to assemble 



108 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

on the Jesse Reed farm two miles west of Auburn. 
Edward Stevenson was the first captain of the company, 
but as to its commander in 1812 there is no available 
record. 

The artillery company was organized by Capt. Thomas 
Mumford, and at the time of the War was in command of 
Capt. John H. Cumpston. Many of these men saw 
actual service at Niagara Falls and other points in that 
vicinity. 

There was also a company of regulars raised in Auburn 
for service in the war. The company was for a time quar- 
tered in wooden barracks in Genesee street, but finally was 
sent to Sacketts Harbor, there becoming a part of Gen. 
Pike's expedition against upper Canada. 

Another company that achieved much distinction in the 
War was the company known as the Rifles, under com- 
mand of Capt. John Richardson. This company also 
went to Niagara and became a part of Gen. Brown's 
command. Captain Richardson's Rifles did valiant ser- 
vice and won great honor. For Col. Richardson's brave 
part in the campaign he was promoted to the rank of 
Colonel. 

On two or three occasions during this war period terror 
was spread through Auburn and vicinity by the report 
that the British soldiers were on American soil and were 
headed for Auburn, but a diligent search by the band of 
volunteers sent out failed to reveal a single member of 
the enemy's troops. However, Auburn could very 
reasonably indulge in some vain glory on account of the 
part it took in the affair. 



HOLY FAMILY (r. C.) CHURCH 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 109 

John H. Cumpston and Egbert Bratt about 1810 suc- 
ceeded to the proprietorship of the early store estabhshed 
by James O'Brien upon the City Hall site. Mr. Bratt's 
wife was Sarah Grandin of Freehold, N. J. They had one 
daughter, Mary A. Bratt, born in 1808. She became the 
wife of John H. Cumpston. Their only son was a Presby- 
terian clergyman who died in Alexandria, Virginia. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Bratt died in Auburn and were buried in the 
North street burying ground. John H. Cumpston was a 
prominent merchant and business man for many years. 

About 1813 or 1814 the distillery built on the bank of the 
Outlet by Frederick T. Clute in a flood time was carried 
down the stream and with it went many barrels of his 
choicest whiskey. In the early twenties the old Cham- 
plain Tavern on North street was converted into a manu- 
factory of spinning wheels. It was run by horse power, 
and gave employment to several people. 

In 1812 Shadrach Terry had a wagon shop on the 
ground on Genesee street now occupied by the residence of 
Mr. Frederick Allen, and xA.bel Terry, his brother, built a 
blacksmith shop and residence on the opposite side of the 
street, not far from where the Government building is 
now situated. Daniel Elliot, a carpenter and builder, 
became a resident about this time and was an active builder 
of houses and factory buildings. 

In December 1812 the Auburn Literary Association 
was organized with John Sawyer as president and David 
Brinkerhoff, Eleazer Hills and Anselm H. Howland 
trustees. The Association seems to have been active 
and beneficial as a means of education and mental develop- 



110 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

ment. It had as members many of the leading citizens 
who made it a valuable society for several years. 

In 1815 Auburn had yet begun only in an indifferent 
way to lift itself out of the mud. The streets had been 
somewhat improved, yet in a great part of them a mud 
scow was still a safer mode of travel than by wagon. The 
recent war and the passing of many troops over the roads, 
however, had added not a little to their generally impas- 
sable condition. North street, having been the first 
street laid out in 1797, was the best thoroughfare in the 
village. It was the main thoroughfare too for a consider- 
able number of years. When the toll gates came into 
vogue, there was one located on this street near what 
was called North Brook bridge. Capt. Nathaniel Gers- 
ham kept it for many years and became a well known 
figure in his little house along the almost bottomless mud 
pike. 

Genesee street at this time was also swathed in mud 
and mire. There were few sidewalks, except in the little 
business center extending from the outlet west to the 
corner of Court street. Beyond that point boards and 
other pieces of timber were placed along the street as a 
protection against being lost in the mud. Still, the streets 
were being improved as time and means permitted. Gene- 
see street at that time presented quite the appearance of a 
business thoroughfare. 

From the eastern to the western end of the district 
there were well up towards 40 business institutions of 
one kind or another. The buildings as yet were practically 
all of wooden construction. Between John street on the 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 111 

east and the outlet were Chauncey Dibble's blacksmith 
shop, Henry Ammerman's Inn, DeMarree's cabinet 
shop, Seth Burgess hat shop, and the old mill along the 
Outlet. From the Outlet westward to South and North 
streets were Hyde & Beach store, the Center House, 
Austin S. Howland's hat shop, Swift's store, the Western 
Federalist printing office, Russell's jewelry store, Oli- 
ph ant's tailor shop and Eleazer Hills grocery store, also 
R. & J. Patty's tannery, Jeffries' chair factory, Silas 
Hawley's tannery, Joseph Colt and Samuel Cumpston's 
stores, Cornelius Irving's saddlery shop, Ganley & Smith's 
drug store, and the old frame school house. West of this 
there were Horace Hill's store, Bostwick's tavern, Henry 
Porter's and Peter Hughes' store, Dr. Hackaliah Burt's 
residence, the small office of Eben Hoskins, Grover & 
Fitch's jewelry store, Noble's store, Eldad Steel's store, 
Abel Leroy's organ shop, Thomas Finn's tailor shop, 
Miller's blacksmith shop, and Shadrack Terry's wagon 
shop. There were about three brick buildings on the 
street. The population of Auburn was about one 
thousand. 

It was in 1815 that Auburn was first incorporated. 
The area of territory then included in the corporate limits 
was one-fourth as much territory as that covered by the 
city today. That is to say, it included nine hundred 
acres, whereas at present there are 3600 acres within the 
city. 

The village was incorporated by an act of the Legisla- 
ture dated April 18th of that year. John H. Beach was 
then a member of the Legislature and it was through 



112 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

his efforts that the enactment was secured. The first 
village election was held on the first Monday in May. 
A president, five trustees, three assessors, a village clerk 
and a treasurer were elected. The first board of trustees 
was as follows: Joseph Colt, president, Enos T. Throop, 
Bradley Tuttle, Lyman Paine and David Hyde. The 
presidents of the village from the year of its incorporation 
to the time Auburn became a city in 1848, were as follows: 

VILLAGE PRESIDENTS OF AUBURN 1815-1848 

Joseph Colt, May 1815-1817; David Brinkerhoff, 
1817-1818; Horace Hills, 1818-1819; David Hyde, 1819- 
1822; John Grover, 1822-1824; WiUiam Bostwick, 1824- 
1825; Allen Warden, 1825-1827; Warden also served 
from May 2, 1831, to May 7, 1832, and April 8, 1829, to 
April 14, 1840. Walter Weed, 1827-1828; Ezekial Wil- 
Hams, 1828-1830; Bradley Tuttle, 1830-1831; Truman 
J. McMaster, 1832-1833; Amos Underwood, 1833-1834; 
Asaph D. Leonard, 1834-1835; Michael S. Myers, 1835- 
1836; Isaac S. Miller, April 12, 1836 to April 19, 1837; 
Robert Minn, April 10, 1837 to January, 1838; John H. 
Beach, April 9, 1838 to April 8, 1839; Cyrus C. Dennis, 
April 14, 1840 to April 10, 1843; John L. Watrous, April 
10, 1843 to April 8, 1844; George B. Chase, April 8, 1844 
to April 14, 1846; Ethan A. Warden, April 14, 1846 to 
April 12, 1847; Daniel Hewson, April 12, 1847 to April 10, 
1848. 

With a real corporate life, with governmental power 
fixed and established. Auburn was better circumstanced 
to adopt measures for self betterment. One of the first 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 113 

elemental needs in a town is some means of fire protection. 
To this end the trustees at once ordered that every 
household should constitute itself a fire brigade, in so 
much as having at hand four buckets, and that every 
owner of a building should provide as many leather 
buckets as there were fire places in the building, and also 
a ladder, all of which were to be a part of the village fire 
department. 

Soon after this the first fire engine was purchased in 
New York, which after much delay reached Auburn by 
teams from Newburg, shipment west of this point being 
impossible on account of the ice in the Hudson river. 
The official fire department was made up of the village 
president as chief, while the trustees by authority of 
ordinance were to carry canes and command the bucket 
brigade, and the fire wardens gathered up the scattered 
buckets and delivered them to the fire fighters. The 
duty of the other wing of the department was to pump 
the fire engine. 

This was iVuburn's first fire department, and it was the 
foundation for the department which today is one of the 
best equipped and most efficient of any city of equal size 
in the state. 

These advance steps gave iVuburn prestige in the 
western part of the State, so that in 1816 when the State 
authorities were seeking a location for a prison, the claims 
of Auburn were favorably regarded. John Beach being 
then member of the Assembly the interests of Auburn 
were sedulously looked after. In the final consideration 
of the various locations proposed Auburn was selected. 



114 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Samuel Dill, David Hyde, John H. Beach, and E. S. 
Beach donated the site comprising about six acres and 
one-half of land upon which the prison now stands. 
The main building and the outside wall to a height of 
four feet were completed in 1816. It was opened for the 
reception of convicts in the winter of 1817. For many 
years subsequent to the completion of the prison an 
armory was maintained upon the outer wall, being located 
at the corner. Out of this grew, a few years later, what 
was known as the "Old Auburn Guard," which was for 
some time under the command of Capt. Joseph Colt. 

It is interesting to note here that Brigham Young 
about this time, was a chair maker in Jeffries' little shop 
on Genesee street near the Outlet, and there is added 
interest in the fact that his compatriot and kindred spirit 
in the religious nostrum business, *'Joe" Smith, was at the 
same time a resident of Geneva. Thus it was that the 
honor between the respective towns was evenly divided. 

In 1816 there was begun an active movement toward 
the building of sidewalks in the village. Many wooden 
walks were laid comprising every style, width and manner 
of construction, but these were a vast improvement over 
the mud walks. About this time too the Genesee street 
hill at North aad South streets was graded down about 
twelve feet. 

GEORGE UNDERWOOD 

Among the lawyers, who settled in Auburn during these 
years was George Underwood who became prominent in 
his profession and in town affairs. Mr. Underwood was 
born January 4, 1816, at Cooperstown, N. Y. His father. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 115 

Amos Underwood, moved with his family to Auburn in 
1819, and purchased the property at the corner of Genesee 
and Court streets, known for many years as the Under- 
wood homestead. Since that time on the family has been 
resident in Auburn and identified with its life and welfare. 
George Underwood was graduated from Hamilton Col- 
lege in 1838, and was Salutatorian of his class. He was 
one of the founders and an enthusiastic member of the 
Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and took active part in 
the establishment of the Hobart chapter of that 
society. 

After leaving college, he studied law, and after his 
admission to the bar engaged in the practise of his profes- 
sion in Auburn. By his industry, ability and fidelity he 
rapidly attracted important clients, and built up and 
retained a large and successful law business. The New 
York Central Railroad, the Bank of Auburn, and many 
other large interests were represented by him and his 
firm for several years prior to his death. He was elected 
member of the assembly from Cayuga County in the years 
1850-1851, and Mayor of Auburn in 1854. He was a 
member and one of the elders of the First Presbyterian 
church, and deeply interested in its welfare. He was 
active also in Auburn's educational and charitable institu- 
tions, and was always a loyal friend and supporter of 
Hamilton College, his *'alma mater.'* 

Mr. Underwood died at Auburn, May 25, 1869. In the 
presentation to the Supreme Court of resolutions adopted 
by the bar of Cayuga County, on the occasion of his 
death, it was said of him : 



116 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

**It is not alone as a member of the profession he had 
chosen and so assiduously pursued, that he will be missed. 
Ardently as he followed that he found time for the dis- 
charge of other claims upon him. As a Christian he had 
the love, confidence and respect of the church with which 
he was in communion and fellowship. As a philanthropist 
he was interested in all the benevolent and humane 
measures of the day, and as a citizen he was among the 
first in sustaining and promoting matters of public 
interest — controlled by a good heart an enlightened mind 
— generous and liberal in his views — charitable to the 
needy, and kind to all." 

NEWSPAPERS 1808 TO 1913 

Auburn had a population of about 400 when Henry 
and James Pace, two Englishmen, located in the village 
and began the publication of the first newspaper, the 
Western Federalist, on June 7, 1808. The fact that they 
were Englishmen contributed in some degree at that 
time to making them persona nongrata in the community. 
Still, they ran a very acceptable little folio weekly news- 
paper, printed on colored paper. 

The Federalist office was in a small building standing on 
Genesee street near the site of the present Cayuga County 
National Bank. The paper seems to have had some 
standing and considerable support. The Pace Brothers 
conducted the Western Federalist until 1816, at which 
time the Auburn Gazette came in and helped to put the 
Federalist out of business. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 117 

The Cayuga Tocsin had its birth at Union Springs, 
by R. T. Chamberlain, in 1812, but in a short time it 
was moved to Auburn. It seems to have had a fitful and 
brief career, however. 

The Cayuga Patriot was launched in the village in 
1814 by Samuel R. Brown. The Patriot was Democratic 
in politics and gained much favor and prestige as an 
opposition to the Federalist. The Patriofs quarters were 
in a dingy room over a wagon shop on Lumber lane, now 
Osborne street. 

Mr. Brown was an odd character, it is said, yet not 
without some streak of genius. His activities were never 
strenuous, and in disposition he always maintained an 
equable temperature. If his paper in any week hap- 
pened to be three days late in getting out, he remained 
calm and peaceful. His wife, so Hon. Thurlow Weed 
said after serving an apprenticeship in the Patriot office, 
was very like him in all these respects. If she failed to 
have dinner one day, why, she was quite sure to have it 
the next day. In either event she was unruffled on ac- 
count of it as was Mr. Brown. This, however, was not 
conducive in any noticeable degree to the cheerfulness 
and happiness of the apprentices and the "printer's 
devil." 

In 1817 the Patriot passed to James Beardsley and 
David Rumsey, and two years later U. F. Doubleday 
purchased the plant. Doubleday possessed ability and 
had had some, experience in newspaper making. He 
published a very good paper, it is said, and built up a 
profitable business during the eight years of his owner- 



118 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

ship of the plant. In 1827 Isaac S. Allen became his 
partner in the business and they together published a 
strong paper and won popularity throughout the county. 
Mr. Doubleday was elected a member of Congress in 
1830 and soon thereafter Mr. Allen purchased his interest 
in the publication. He continued it alone until 1833 
when Willett Lounsbury entered into partnership with 
him, the firm name being Allen & Lounsbury. Louns- 
bury died 1843 at which time Mr. Allen became sole 
owner again. 

In 1845 Doubleday purchased the plant and again 
carried on the Patriot for one year, at which time he 
removed from town. The paper was then sold to Henry 
A. Hawes and Henry M. Stone. In 1847 the Patriot 
was consolidated with the Tocsin, under the name of the 
Cayuga New Era. 

The Auburn Gazette was started in June, 1816, by 
Thomas M. Skinner and William Crosby. They met 
with a very good measure of success, both being active, 
capable men. After one year the name was changed to 
that of the Cayuga Republican, and politically it was run 
in the interest of the Clinton faction. Frederick Prince 
was also connected with the Republican and later became 
its publisher, although Mr. Skinner was the owner after 
Mr. Crosby's death in 1818. Thomas M. Skinner, 
continued the Republican until 1833 at which time it was 
merged with the Free Press, taking the name of the Auburn 
Journal and Advertiser. Out of this developed the Auburn 
Daily Advertiser of the present, which was begun as a 
daily paper in 1846. The Advertiser has been a strong 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 119 

paper since its foundation, an earnest exponent of the 
Republican party and its principles. 

The Free Press had been started in 1824 by Richard 
Oliphant. He edited the paper ably and had a success- 
ful business up to the time of its consolidation with the 
Republican in 1833. Mr. Oliphant continued for some 
time with Journal and Advertiser. 

The Evangelical Recorder was started in January, 1818, 
by the Rev. Dirck C. Lansing, then pastor of the First 
Presbyterian church, as editor and Thomas M. Skinner 
as the publisher. It lived one year. Henry C. South- 
wick in 1818 began the publication of the Advocate of the 
People, which died in its infancy. 

The Gospel Messenger was launched in 1827 by the 
Rev. John C. Rudd, rector of St. Peters church. The 
Gospel Messenger was a weekly paper and was printed in 
a little building then standing on the church lot. Dr. 
Rudd was a forceful writer and a man of much literary 
ability. The paper a little later, however, was moved 
out of town. 

The Gospel Advocate was another started by Doubleday 
& Allen in 1828. It was edited by the Rev. L. S. Everitt, 
Universalist minister, and was a semi-monthly. It ran 
three years. 

The Diamond began in 1830 and continued a very short 
time. 

Frederick Prince in 1834 began the publication of the 
Cayuga Democrat. It failed to make any great success 
and was discontinued after about one year. Then in 
1835 Mr. Prince started the Auburn Miscellany. In 



120 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

1839 the printing plant was sold to Francis G. Wiggins 
who changed the name of the paper to the Western Banner y 
which was sold in 1841 to the Methodist Book Concern 
and went to New York. 

In 1838 Mr. Prince began the publication of the Auburn 
Daily Neios, an undertaking that required unusual courage 
at that period. Auburn had not more than five thousand 
population and the country adjacent was thinly settled. 

The News struggled along for a few months and died. 
The plant was sold to the Western Banner. 

The Primitive Christian was started in 1835 by Rev. 
Silas E. Shepard as an exponent of the Disciple faith. 
The Primitive Christian devoted much space to the 
discussion of religious beliefs, and particularly that of the 
Disciples. It continued with vigor for a period of six 
years. The Chronicles, a series of critical articles, were 
also written about the same time by Rev. Mr. Shepard. 

The People's Library was started in 1836 by Francis 
S. Wiggins and ran a very short time and there was also 
the Conference Record in 1837, by Rev. J. S. Chamberlain. 

In 1839 another Cayuga Tocsin was started as an organ 
of the Free Soilers. It was a bright and well edited paper 
which wielded much influence through the country. 

The Northern Advocate was started in April, 1841, by 
Rev. John E. Robie, with Rev. F. G. Hibbard and William 
Hosmer as editors. It was at that time a private enter- 
prise and so continued until 1844 when it was purchased 
by the Methodist General Conference and became the 
Northern Christian Advocate. For 28 years thereafter 
the paper was published in Auburn. It had many able 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 121 

editors. Rev. William Hosmer was its editor from 1848 
to 1856. In its early period the paper was published in 
the basement of the First Methodist church, which stood 
at the corner of Water and North streets. At the end of 
28 years the Northern Christian Advocate was moved to 
Syracuse. 

In 1845 L. W. Dewey started the Star of Temperance. 

The Tocsin in 1846 closely followed the Advertiser in 
the publication of a daily issue. Richard Oliphant, 
however, soon sold his plant to Henry Montgomery, who 
continued both the daily and weekly until 1848, when he 
assigned the property to Charles T. Ferris, who in 1849 
sold a half interest to George W. Peck and Oscar F. 
Knapp, Peck and Montgomery acting as editors. 

The Cayuga New Era was started in June, 1847, by 
Merritt Stone & Co., with Thomas Y. Howe, Jr., as 
editor. These publishers were succeeded by Stone, Hawes 
& Co., later Finn and Hallett, and finally W^illiam L. 
Finn, who discontinued the publication in 1857. 

The Auburn Daily Bulletin was started first as a cam- 
paign journal in 1848 by Hawes & Co. Auburn's Favorite, 
1847, by N. P. Caulkins, the Masonic Union by Finley M. 
King in 1850; the Spiritual and Moral Instructor, 1857; 
The Farmer and Mechanic, 1856 afterwards changed to 
the Teacher s Educational Journal and the Spiritual 
Clarion, 1857 were all of brief existence. 

In 1851 the Christian Ambassador, which had been 
published in New York, was moved to Auburn. It was 
continued about twelve years under the editorship of 
Rev. J. M. Austin, a very able writer. It was a Uni versa- 



122 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

list denominational publication. The Rev. T. J. Sawyer 
was its editor during the later period of its life in Auburn. 
The publication was finally moved to New York again. 

The Auburn American was started in February, 1855, 
by William J. Moses. It was a daily and weekly. In 
1859 the name was changed to the Daily and Weekly 
Union y Moses & Vail then being the publishers. The 
Union was continued until March, 1861, when it was sold 
to Knapp & Peck. Judge B. F. Hall was the editor-in- 
chief of the Union and performed the work with 
ability. 

The Northern Independent was started in 1856 as an 
anti-slavery paper. Rev. William Hosmer being the 
active force in the undertaking. The Independent pleaded 
the cause with great vigor and earnestness for several 
years. When finally that issue was settled, the Independ- 
ent was discontinued. 

The Auburn Democrat, a weekly newspaper, was started 
in 1857 by Stone, Hawes & Co. They continued the 
publication until Mr. Stone's death five years later. 
The plant was then sold to William S. Hawley who issued 
for about one year and a half a paper called the Spirit of 
the Times. M. Hawley attempted to establish a daily 
at that time but the venture was soon abandoned. 

The People's Union, a political reform advocate, was 
started in 1862. Michael S. Myers, Warren T. Warden 
and C. L. Adams were interested in the publication. The 
paper had a brief existence, however. 

The McClelland Banner by P. W. Rhodes and C. L. 
Adams, was published a short time in 1864. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 123 

The Semi-Weekly Herald was published for a few months 
in 1865. It was a Democratic paper run by N. T. Hack- 
staff and G. E. Bostwick. 

Still another weekly paper known as the Democrat 
was brought out in September, 1868, by Charles F. Dur- 
ston & Co. The following year the paper was sold to 
William J. Moses who continued the publication about 
four years. 

The Auburn Morning News was launched in July, 1868. 
The undertaking included also a weekly edition. The 
publishers were Dennis Brothers & Thorne. In the 
matter of talent the paper was well equipped. William 
H. Barnes was editor-in-chief, Charles A. Warden, city 
editor and Theodore H. Schenck, literary editor. But 
the enterprise was sorely handicapped by lack of news- 
paper experience. 

The News was Republican in politics and it advocated 
the party's cause with much vigor. It failed, however, 
to do sufficient business to make the proposition profitable, 
and after the expenditure of a large amount of money 
and great energy, it was discontinued in January, 
1871. 

Meanwhile, in February, 1870, the Auburn Daily 
Bulletin was launched by K. Vail & Co., with William J. 
Moses as the controlling force in the enterprise. The 
paper was published in his establishment. 

The Bulletin was an independent evening newspaper 
and had to make its way in the field already preempted 
by the Advertiser. William J. Moses was the editor and 
Charles A. Caulkins, city editor. 



124 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

In 1872 there was published from the same plant and 
conducted by the same staff, the Morning News, Mr. 
Moses being editor of this also. The News was carried 
on until 1878, at which time the impossibility of making 
it a paying proposition had been demonstrated. In view 
of this the News was consolidated with the Bulletin, 
bearing the name of the News-Bulletin. 

Mr. Moses assumed the business conduct of the com- 
bined newspaper, being then succeeded in the editorial 
duties by Mr. Edward M. Allen. 

In June, 1877, an evening paper called the Item was 
started by Urbam S. Benton. This a little later became 
the Auburnian. The Auburnian continued until 1885 
when this too was merged with the News-Bulletin, becom- 
ing the News-Bulletin- Auburnian. 

But in 1844 still another evening paper entered the 
field. This struggled along for a short time against three 
other evening papers, and finally its publisher, realizing 
the impossibility of its future success as an afternoon 
paper, changed it to a morning paper. The Morning 
Dispatch had the United Press News service which, 
added to its efficiency in covering the local news field, 
made the Dispatch a very creditable newspaper. It then 
struggled on until 1890 when it passed over, after its 
publishers had sunk a large amount of money in the 
undertaking. 

Finally through the efforts of Mr. Charles F. Rattigan 
the Daily Citizen was born. Mr. Rattigan began work 
on the Dispatch in 1884, and was with the Bulletin many 
years as its editor. Upon the launching of the Citizen 



t: 









ISAAC S. ALLEN, ESQ. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 125 

a stock company was formed composed mainly of Thomas 
M. Osborne and Charles F. Rattigan. This company 
absorbed the Bulletin plant and established a modern news- 
paper establishment on Dill street. The Citizen is now 
an excellent up-to-date newspaper. 

BOOKS AND BOOK PUBLISHERS 

In the book making world Auburn had had in times 
past some distinguished publishers, and some notable 
works have been issued from the several publishing 
houses at various times. 

The first book publishers were Derby, Miller & Co., 
who began in 1848. The firm was composed of James C. 
Derby, Norman C. Miller and James B. Thompson. This 
firm published many of the school books in vogue at that 
time, and, besides, brought out other works of a literary 
and scientific character. 

In May, 1855, Mr. Thompson retired from the firm and 
three new members came in. They were Elliott G. 
Storke, Edward Munson and Charles F. Coffin. Soon 
after this the Company opened a large retail store in 
Buffalo. The firm were capable publishers and carried 
on a successful business, being then among the largest 
book publishers in the State west of New York. Among 
the books they published were some written by Horace 
Greely, Richard Hildredth and Fanny Fern. 

The second book publishing house was that of Alden & 
Markham 1852. They started in a very small way but 
expanded rapidly, soon adding a book binder to their 
plant. In a little time John E. Beardsley became a 



126 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

member of the firm, and a little later David Foote and R. 
W. Magner entered the concern as partners. When 
Mr. Beardsley bought an interest in the business the firm 
name became Alder, Beardsley & Co. 

The firm of Alder, Beardsley & Co., did a prosperous 
business and gave employment to a considerable number 
of people. They published Bibles, biographical, and mis- 
cellaneous works which had sale throughout the country. 
The firm published a history of the Mexican War which 
had a wide sale, also the works of John Quincy Adams 
and the Life of the Empress Josephine. 

In those days a large amount of print paper was made 
in Auburn and the large output of the two book publish- 
ing houses made it possible for the manufacturers to 
market the greater part of their product at home. 

Henry Ivison, who afterward became one of the great 
book publishers of the country, began his career in Auburn 
and the suggestion of his future life work and in great 
measure the foundation of his eminent success, came 
from the years of experience in book publishing during 
his early life in the village. Mr. Ivison went to New 
York and there the name of Ivison & Phinney and later 
Ivison & Blakeman were among the best known in the 
world of books and book publishers. 

ISAAC S. ALLEN 

Among the early residents of Auburn who were promi- 
nently identified with newspaper publishing and books 
was Isaac S. Allen, Esq. Mr. Allen was born in the town 
of Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County, N. Y., on the fifth 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 127 

day of January, 1804. He was the oldest of five children 
of Samuel and Rachel Buffett Allen. His father was a 
manufacturer of hats, and afterwards resided in Danbury, 
Conn., also Zanesville, Ohio. Five generations back the 
family came from Devonshire, England, and settled at 
Dartmouth, Rhode Island, now Dartmouth, Massa- 
chusetts. Rachel Buffett was born at Huntington, 
Long Island. The family were Huguenots from France. 
In the fifteenth year of his age Mr. Isaac S. Allen went to 
Bridgeport, Conn., to learn the printer's trade in the office 
of the Bridgeport Farmer ^ published by Stiles W. Nichols. 
He served an apprenticeship of five years and during this 
time Mr. Nichols bought the Norwalk Gazette, and the 
Bridgeport office was removed to Norwalk. At the age 
of a little over twenty years and six months, for faithful 
service, Mr. Allen was given six months of his time, a 
new suit and twenty-five dollars in money. He was 
also given a recommendation which read as follows: 
*'May 1st, 1824. This will certify that the bearer, Isaac 
S. Allen, has served an apprenticeship to the printing 
business at this office and being now in search of employ- 
ment, he is recommended to the craft as a faithful, steady, 
and correct workman, and in whom full confidence and 
trust may be placed. As a compositor he is unusually 
correct. S. W. Benedict, Gazette Office, Norwalk, Con- 
necticut." 

From Norwalk, Mr. Allen went to New York, where he 
remained two years, part of the time in the Bible House 
working on a French Bible. A part of this time he was 
in the same office with John and James Harper who be- 



128 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

came the noted publishers. August 16th, 1824, he 
witnessed the landing of Gen. Lafayette at Castle Garden 
upon his second visit to this country. Mr. Allen left 
New York in 1826 and came by steamboat to Albany, 
thence by stage to Schenectady and canal boat to Syra- 
cuse and Rochester. After a little time in looking for 
a situation there he heard of a vacancy in the Republican 
office in Auburn, and therefore he at once reached Auburn 
by stage. Upon his arrival he called on Thomas M. 
Skinner, and after giving assurance as to ability and 
character, he was introduced to his office in the capacity 
of foreman. 

April 1st, 1827, he became a partner of N.F. Doubleday 
in publishing the Cayuga Patriot. Soon after entering 
into this partnership Mr. Allen bought Mr. Doubleday's 
interest and published the paper alone. In December, 
1833, he associated with him Willett Lounsbury as a 
partner, which continued until the death of Mr. Louns- 
bury in May, 1843. From that date until June, 1845, Mr. 
Allen continued the paper alone again for a time, and sold 
it to his former partner Doubleday. During his partner- 
ship with Doubleday and Lounsbury they published a 
religious monthly for six years, called the Primitive 
Christian, and also the Gospel Advocate for three years. 

Meanwhile Mr. Allen was much interested and active in 
all village affairs and rendered valuable service in various 
capacities. He served fifteen years with old fire engine 
company, No. 2 and has his discharge dated March 9th, 
1841, and signed by C. C. Dennis, president, and Fred- 
erick Prince, secretary of the department. On the 18th 




HON. ENOS T. THROOP 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 129 

of August 1831, he married Susan Mott, daughter of 
Joseph and Abigal Mott of Skaneateles, and formerly of 
New York City. They had two sons and two daughters, 
Elizabeth, Henry M., Frederick and Susan. Neither of 
.the daughters married. Susan died in 1902 and Elizabeth 
in 1911. Henry M. married Sarah T. Chubbuck of 
Binghamton, by whom there were two daughters, Susan 
Mott and Mary Louise. He died in October 1865. The 
widow and oldest daughter resided in Binghamton. The 
younger daughter has been twice married, first to Mr. 
Henry Hayes of Newark, New Jersey, and afterwards to 
Dr. W. W. Gilfillan of New York, where they reside. The 
youngest son Frederick married Harriett A. Grandine of 
Waterford, Saratoga County, N. Y., by whom there are 
two sons, Henry M., and Frederick G. On November 7, 
1831, Isaac S. Allen and wife began housekeeping in the 
house No. 170 W. Genesee street, where they resided for 
fifty years and celebrated their golden wedding. Mr. 
Allen served twenty -five years as a director in the National 
Bank of Auburn, and for several years on the Discount 
committee. He was for thirty -two years a trustee of the 
Auburn Savings Bank, eleven years of which time he was 
on the finance committee, nineteen years on the auditing 
committee and the years 1879 and 1880 as treasurer of the 
bank. He settled a number of estates, among them 
those of Dr. L. Bigelow, David Madden, also his wife's, 
and that of Judge Charles B. Perry. He also had charge 
of the Corning property, and at the end of fourteen years 
had turned over to Erastus Corning, of Albany, one 
hundred thousand dollars from his Auburn property. 



130 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Mr. Allen was one of the twelve trustees who in- 
corporated Fort Hill Cemetery Association, the 16th of 
May, 1851, and served about two years as secretary and 
treasurer, while the grounds were being laid out and was 
also a contributor to the fund for the erection of the Logan 
monument. He died October 10th, 1881. 




CHAPTER VI 

HISTORY — BANKS AND BANKERS 

N 1815 there was organized in Auburn the 
first Bible Society in the State of New 
York. It antedated the American Bible 
Society by more than a year. Its title 
was the Cayuga Bible Society. Its mem- 
bers included many of the leading citizens of Auburn, 
besides having others scattered throughout the County. 
The object was to spread Christianity and work for the 
social and moral uplift of the community. The Society 
did efficient service for several years. 

In 1818 Dr. Richard Steel organized the first Sunday 
School in Auburn. The pupils were the colored residents 
of the village. Henry i\.mmerman and Prof. Noble D. 
Strong were associated with Dr. Steel in the work. The 
school was carried on successfully for several years. 

About the same date the Auburn Female Charitable 
Society was formed for the purpose of giving aid in an 
orderly and systematic manner to those who were worthy 
of help in the County. The Society was active for a 
time but finally disintegrated. 

The influence of these beneficial organizations seems 
to have reached Albert Hagaman, a barber in the village, 
for he announced in the public prints that he had a desire 
to attend Sunday School and to make this possible he 



132 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

would serve his customers on Sundays thereafter until 
nine o'clock in the morning, the hour in those days for 
Sunday School. 

Judge Elijah Miller and John N. Beach in 1814 began 
the erection of a cotton goods mill, the first mill of the 
kind established in the village. In 1822 the plant was 
sold and became a corporation, with Alvah Warden, 
president, and Robert Wiltsie, secretary. 

Robert Muir, Geo. B. Throop, and Nathaniel Garrow 
built the large mill in 1827, Mr. Muir being the most 
active member in the enterprise. The product of the 
mill was mainly bed ticking, of which they turned out a 
great quantity. The business was carried on success- 
fully until the financial depression of 1837 which brought 
disaster to every section of the country. After this the 
mill passed to several owners up to 1853, when L. W. Nye 
bought the property, leasing it to Messrs. Howlett & 
Bailey, who did a successful business for a long period of 
time. 

AUBURN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 

The Auburn Theological Seminary had its inception 
as early as 1817, and quite likely a little earlier still. 
It has not been conceded that any one person first con- 
ceived the idea of establishing a seminary at Auburn. 
However, if to any one person such honor can be given, 
the Rev. Dirck C. Lansing, an early pastor of the First 
Presbyterian church, probably is entitled to it. 

The Rev. Dr. Lansing became pastor of the First 
church in 1816 and it is said that prior to this, when he 
was pastor of a church at Onondaga Valley, he was 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 133 

nursing the idea or thought of a theological seminary 
in the region of which Auburn was the center. Upon 
becoming a resident of Auburn, Dr. Lansing entered 
into the spirit of the project with stronger heart and a 
hope of having his conception become a reality. To this 
end he presented the matter to various ones of his ac- 
quaintances and the encouragement received gave him 
heart to publicly launch the project. 

About this time there was a movement on foot by the 
Presbyterian General Assembly to establish a series of 
six or more seminaries in various parts of the western 
country, and it so happened that the Auburn Seminary 
was the first one among them to have an actual existence. 
Dr. Lansing first proposed the matter to the Presbytery 
of Cayuga, and finally in February, 1818, it was laid before 
the Synod at Rochester, and it was there decided to 
establish a seminary. The General Assembly was non- 
committal in the matter, but at a meeting held in Auburn 
the following August the Synod voted to go forward with 
the undertaking. It was decided further that the Seminary 
should be located in Auburn, provided the citizens donate 
a site and raise a building fund of $35,000. 

The citizens of Auburn met the demand in a generous 
spirit. Early in 1819 the stipulated amount of money 
has been subscribed and the heirs of Col. John L. Harden- 
bergh had donated six acres of land for a site. The charter 
of the institution was granted by the legislature April 14, 
1820, and the corner stone of the first building was laid 
on the 11th of May following. The board of trustees 
was organized one month later. Dr. Davis was chosen 



134 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

first president of the board, and Rev. Caleb Alexander 
president of the board of commissioners. 

The faculty was then selected and Auburn Theological 
Seminary opened to students in the fall of 1821. There 
was only the one building at the start. This was con- 
structed of Cayuga County limestone, and was quite 
an imposing building, facing Seminary street, with broad 
grounds reaching from the street to the building. A 
wing was added to this building in 1830. In 1874, how- 
ever, the wing of the first structure was razed to give place 
for the new Morgan Hall, leaving the original building 
intact. This stood until 1892. 

It is said the Seminary was founded by the Geneva 
Synod, but it has always been in control of the Presby- 
terian church through the Presbyteries. The institution 
is governed by 28 directors. 

The first faculty was composed of three professors of 
which the Rev. Matthew La Rue Perrine was the head. 
Dr. Perrine, however, declined to accept at that time, 
but took up the work in 1823. The Rev. Henry Mills, a 
graduate of Princeton, was another member, and the 
third was the Rev. Dirck C. Lansing. Later Dr. Lansing 
became a trustee and served the institution with great 
fidelity. 

The faculty was finally made up of the Rev. Dr. Lans- 
ing, Dr. Mills, and in 1823 the Rev. James Richards, D.D., 
three strong men who proved to be of great value to the 
institution. The number of students was small for a 
time, but after the years 1823-1825 there was a rapid 
increase in the student body. The year 1827 showed 



^^^^^^^^^^^^^Ik 4iii>^3H^HK^^W^ 


^^^B^^f^S^B^ 


^^^^^^^^^^^^K 


^PIT 


-1 


■ 




r^ 


^l^^^BlitK - --0- «^«J^H^ 


*;••-_'■-. ^H 




^^^^^^P^^^^^iB^SBf^^^B 


^P!~K^ 








-:^r^^. ^-E 






ij 





HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 135 

an enrollment of 76. Since that time the number has 
exceeded this. In 1835 Dr. Samuel Hanson Cox became 
a member of the faculty and added much strength to it. 
He filled the chair of sacred rhetoric and pastoral 
theology. He remained only about three years, how- 
ever. 

Many changes and additions have been made in the 
faculty from time to time during the years, but never 
has its strength and efficiency been diminished. Repre- 
sentatives of the Auburn Theological Seminary are now 
found in almost every field of Christian work throughout 
the world. 

The Seminary, fortunately, has had the earnest sup- 
port of many people of wealth who have donated money 
for new buildings and endowed professorships in various 
departments of the Seminary. Many of these donors 
were Auburn citizens. Dr. Sylvester Willard. Miss 
Willard, and Miss Caroline Willard, Col. E. A. Morgan, 
Henry A. Morgan and others were friends and benefactors 
of the staunchest kind. The many willing friends have 
made possible the erection of the handsome buildings 
which now adorn the beautiful grounds. 

In 1899 Rev. George Black Stewart was chosen presi- 
dent to succeed Dr. Booth, who died March 18, of that 
year. Dr. Stewart is a graduate of Princeton University, 
and also of the Seminary over which he now presides. 
Today Auburn Theological Seminary has a representative 
student body and is adequately equipped in the matter 
of teachers and other facilities for carrying on the work 
to which it is devoted. 



136 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Abijah Fitch, who located in Auburn soon after 1820, 
became a distinguished citizen and a factor in the material 
advancement of the town. Mr. Fii:ch was born in 
Cooperstown, N. Y., in 1800 and prior to settling in 
Auburn he married Lanah Nelson, of Lansingburg, N. Y. 
Mr. Fitch was an active and successful merchant for 
many years and when the era of railroad building came, 
he took a keen interest in the projects and did much to 
aid in the undertakings. He was in all respects a useful 
and exemplary citizen, and always held in the highest 
esteem by his fellow townsmen. 

It is said that the old Auburn Guards organized in the 
early twenties chiefly as a prison guard, occupied for 
many years the armory located upon the wall surrounding 
the prison. The prison bell up to the thirties rang the 
fire alarm in all cases of fire in the village. 

AUBURN AND OWASCO CANAL COMPANY 

As early as 1817, when the movement was first put on 
foot for the building of a waterway across the State 
from Albany to Buffalo, Auburn citizens had every reason 
for thinking that the route finally selected would lead 
through the county seat and prison town. Auburn 
was on the main thoroughfare between Albany and 
Buffalo; it was the chief town in the western region, 
besides, it was an active advancing business center with 
a colony of progressive and capable business men. A 
determined effort was made by the leading citizens, but, 
as the result of certain influences in other parts of the 
State, the Erie Canal was constructed through the 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 137 

Montezuma swamps instead, leaving Auburn seven 
miles to the south. 

The failure to secure the main waterway inspired to a 
great extent the project of building a canal from Auburn 
to Port Byron to connect with the Erie. The plan, in 
fact, involved a more extended undertaking, that of 
establishing a waterway southward from Auburn through 
the Outlet and Owasco lake and thence to the Susque- 
hanna River. Along with this too was the scheme of 
obtaining for Auburn a water supply from the lake. 

Although the project was much discussed and can- 
vassed in 1825 there was no concerted action until 1827. 
At a meeting held then a committee was named for the 
purpose of effecting the organization of a company to 
undertake the work. Books were opened for subscrip- 
tions to the stock of the company. One hundred thousand 
dollars were subscribed and on the 31st day of July that 
year a meeting was held at which the organization of 
the Auburn and Owasco Canal Company was perfected. 
Trustees were chosen as follows; Ezekiel Williams, 
president, Hon. William H. Seward, secretary; Horace 
Hills, treasurer; Archibald Green, Lyman Paine, Samuel 
Cumpston, John Patty, Enos T. Tliroop, Abijah Fitch, 
Alvah Warden. The company was duly incorporated 
April 28, prior to this action. 

Yet with this marked combination of ability and busi- 
ness energy the great waterway, for sane and economic 
reasons, never got far beyond the dream stage. A little 
later the State was importuned to construct a steam 
railroad northward to connect with the Erie Canal, but 



138 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

the State already had a problem on its hands in the Dewitt 
Clinton Ditch. 

THE AUBURN MEDICAL COLLEGE 

Another project which had its birth about the same 
time as that of the Canal was the movement to establish 
in Auburn a medical college. Dr. Erastus D. Tuttle in 
1824 conceived the plan of a medical school and put it in 
operation by opening on Genesee street that year the 
Auburn Medical College. Dr. Tuttle was assisted by 
Dr. Douglass and Dr. Ira H. Smith. A small building 
was erected on Genesee street near the National Bank 
of Auburn. This was a two story frame structure, the 
first floor being devoted to study and the second floor to 
lectures. The school opened with fifteen or more students 
and ran along with a very substantial show of success. 
However, as yet the college had no charter, and therefore 
was not a legal institution. Meanwhile, William H. 
Seward, George B. Throop and Horace Hills were ap- 
pointed a committee to procure from the Legislature a 
charter for the school. This was not granted and the 
college faculty went on with the school until 1829, 
at which time the Auburn Medical College ceased to exist. 

HON. JOSEPH L. RICHARDSON 

Hon. Joseph L. Richardson was among the earliest 
members of the bar in Auburn. He migrated from 
Frederick, Maryland, in 1806, and established himself 
in the village before Auburn had the Court House. Enos 
T. Throop settled in the village about the same time and 




REV. DR. CHARLES HAWLEY 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 139 

Mr. Richardson entered into partnership with Mr.Throop 
and they practised law together for nine or ten years. 
They w^ere young men then but they were both destined 
later to attain distinction. 

During his association with Mr. Throop, Mr. Richard- 
son served as assistant attorney general of the State, and 
in 1812 he was brigade paymaster for the Government 
when the war was in progress. A little later he was 
appointed United States District Attorney for the district 
covering several counties in central New York. In 1827 
Mr. Richardson was appointed Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas of Cayuga County and discharged the 
duties with great credit for twenty years. 

Judge Richardson was a man of strong character and 
strong personality. He was thorough, painstaking and 
faithful to every trust. In addition to his legal business 
he was identified with many enterprises in the village, 
and was equally as earnest in many good works. Judge 
Richardson died in Auburn in 1855. 

HON. SAMUEL BLATCHFORD 

Judge Blatchford for ten years, beginning in 1845, 
was a member of the Cayuga County bar and a resident 
of Auburn. His residence was on South street. He was 
a native of New York City where he received his educa- 
tion. He was born in 1820 and graduated at Columbia 
College in 1837. Five years later he was admitted as an 
attorney to practise in the Courts of New York. 

In 1845 INIr. Blatchford moved to Auburn and formed 
a copartnership with Hon. William H. Seward and 



140 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Christopher Morgan, under the firm name of Seward, 
Morgan & Blatchford. Although then a young man, 
Mr. Blatchford soon attained a prominent position as a 
lawyer, adding strength to the firm of which he was a 
member. 

In 1854 Mr. Blatchford returned to New York and in 
1867 was appointed United States District Judge for the 
Southern District of New York. In 1878 he was ap- 
pointed Federal Circuit Judge. Four years later he was 
made associate Judge of the United States Supreme 
Court. Judge Blatchford was a man of marked ability, 
an able lawyer and jurist. He died in Newport, Rhode 
Island, July 7, 1893. 

HON. GEORGE RATHBUN 

Another distinguished member of the early bar of 
Auburn was Hon. George Rathbun. Mr. Rathbun 
located in the village when a young man and when 
Auburn was a small village. His ability and practise 
developed until he was regarded as being the leader of 
the bar of the County. Mr. Rathbun was a much sought 
counsellor, an able trial lawyer and always honest and 
trustworthy. His legal business grew to great magnitude 
for those days, extending, in fact, well over the State. 
Throughout a long career Mr. Rathbun stood high as a 
citizen and public ofiicial. From 1837 to 1841 he was 
postmaster of Auburn and later was elected to represent 
the district in Congress. The duties in connection with 
these public trusts were discharged with signal ability 
and faithfulness. Mr. Rathbun died in Auburn in 1870. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 141 

George O. Rathbun, son of the above, was also a 
lawyer of much more than average ability. His, too, 
was a long and distinguished career in the practise of his 
profession. The law firm of Wood & Rathbun enjoyed 
a large business and also enjoyed the confidence of all 
who employed them. Mr. Rathbun possessed many 
qualities which marked him as a singularly strong lawyer. 
His familiarity with intricate questions of law^ was marvel- 
ous, and this gave him advantage and prestige in the 
courts. He died in December, 1898. 

DAVID WRIGHT 

Mr. Wright was a native of Penn's Manor, Buck's 
county, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1806. He 
received his early education at the Friends' School at that 
place. He migrated to Aurora, Cayuga County, in 1826. 
There he read law, was admitted to the bar and con- 
tinued in practise until 1837. He then removed to Auburn 
and afterwards took as a partner Hon. Theodore M. 
Pomeroy who had studied law with him. This partner- 
ship continued many years. Finally Mr. Pomeroy 
retired from active practise, and Mr. Wright practised 
thereafter alone. He was admittedly a good lawyer and 
a man of the highest integrity. He died in 1877. 

EDWARD H. AVERY 

Mr. Avery was born at Scipio, N. Y., August 18, 1824, 
and graduated from Yale College in 1844. Soon after 
this he moved to Auburn and entered the law office "of 
Clark & Underwood as a student. After being admitted, 



142 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Mr. Avery located at Bath, N. Y., where he practised law 
three years. At the end of this time he returned to 
Auburn and became a partner of Hon. George Under- 
wood. Later James R. Cox became a member of the 
firm, which was then styled Underwood, Cox & Avery. 
After the senior partner's death in 1859, the firm con- 
tinued as Cox & Avery. Both the original and the later 
firm did a successful law business. They ranked among 
the best in Central New York. 

Mr. Avery, however, soon became identified with 
various other enterprises and lines of business in which 
he was active and successful. He was one of the pro- 
moters and organizers of the Auburn Water Works Com- 
pany, and the Auburn Gas & Light Company, in both 
of which he served as director. He was also connected 
officially and financially with other corporations of the 
city. In 1883 Mr. Avery was chosen president of the 
National Bank of Auburn and in this capacity he evinced 
executive ability of a high order. He discharged the 
duties with faithfulness and honor. He died May 5, 1908. 

DR. RICHARD STEEL 

Probably no citizen of Auburn, with an equally long 
career, lived nearer to the hearts of the people of the 
town than did Dr. Richard Steel. 

Dr. Steel was born at Grandin, N. Y., Nov. 3, 1795. 
He attended school at West Grandin, where that striking 
New England character, Salem Towne, was the teacher, 
and living for a considerable period of time in the atmos- 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 143 

phere created by such a man, the impress and influence 
could not have been otherwise than deep and lasting. 

Dr. Steel's parents were Jonathan and Jane Ann 
Savage Steel, both descended from the old Puritanic 
New England stock. They lived in those days not a 
great distance from Troy, and to that place Richard 
went to take up the study of pharmacy. Richard was 
the fifth in a family of nine children. Jonathan Steel, 
the father, died in 1817, and Richard, having become 
proficient in the drugs and pharmacy line, started west- 
ward and located in Auburn at the age of 22. He at 
once established a drug store under the name of Steel, 
Cook & Co., the later being the firm with whom he had 
studied pharmacy in Troy. They furnished the capital 
and imposed in the young man implicit confidence in the 
matter of the conduct of the business. 

The business thus early established grew and prospered 
in great measure until Dr. Steel needed no partners or 
financial aid in carrying on the business, therefore, for 
many years he was alone in business and independent. 
Dr. Steel's drug store became a familiar place and one of 
the reliable and dependable stores of the town. He 
conducted the business until 1872, at which time he 
retired. He was succeeded by his son, Joseph N. Steel. 

Dr. Steel during the years from 1817 up to this time had 
been interested in many things, institutions and measures 
intended for the civic betterment of Auburn. In 1821 he 
united with the First Presbyterian church and became 
one of the most active and zealous in the welfare work 
connected with that church and other organizations. In 



144 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

1825 he was elected ruling Elder of the First church and 
served with marked faithfulness until his death, March 
11, 1889, having then served the almost unprecedented 
period of 64 years. From 1823 to his death Dr. Steel 
was also connected with the Seminary in various official 
capacities. He was auditor, secretary and treasurer of 
the institution, and each of these official services covering 
a long period. In addition to these, he was for many 
years a member of the board of trustees of the Seminary. 

Dr. Steel organized the first Sunday School in Auburn 
in 1818. The school was for colored children of the 
village and, although receiving much criticism on account 
of the undertaking. Dr. Steel persisted in the labor and 
wrought much good through his efforts. He was also 
active as clerk of several of the school districts before the 
union school system was adopted. 

In politics Dr. Steel, in the early days, was a Whig 
and naturally gravitated into the Republican party when 
that party was organized in 1856. In all his relations in 
life Dr. Steel was earnest and generous and always the 
embodiment of honor. He was a valuable citizen and a 
true friend to every good cause. Dr. Steel was thrice 
married. In 1823 he married Miss Alice Hyde Marnell, 
and his second wife was Miss Sarah M. Knowles, of Darby, 
Pennsylvania, whom he married in 1831. June 23, 1837, 
he married Miss Mary Cadwell Knowles of Philadelphia. 
By the latter marriage there were five children only one of 
whom, Miss Mary, survives. 




DR. RICHARD STEEL 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 145 

BANKS AND BANKERS 

Auburn had been incorporated as a village two years 
when the first bank, the Bank of Auburn, was established. 
The village had a population of approximately twelve 
hundred and the volume of local business had grown 
to considerable magnitude. There were a score or more 
of small industries of various kinds along the Outlet, all 
of which were doing a prosperous business. Besides, the 
mercantile business had become quite extensive, owing 
in some degree to the fact that Auburn was the trade 
center of a wide area of territory. Added to these ele- 
ments of urgency, the State, on account of the new prison, 
was paying out and disbursing for various purposes a 
large amount of money. There w^as not a bank in the 
w^estern part of the State. It was time to have a bank. 

The movement toward starting a bank in Auburn 
began in 1816 although it did not crystallize into action 
until 1817. Early in the year John H. Beach, Joseph 
Colt, Eleazer Hills, Daniel Kellogg, Enos T. Throop, 
Nathaniel Garrow and Glen Cuyler applied to the State 
Legislature for a charter for a bank in Auburn, and on the 
31st day of March that year the bank of iVuburn was 
chartered. The capital stock was fixed at $400,000, 
divided into shares of $50.00 each. This later was 
reduced to $200,000. 

On the 7th of July following the organization of the 
bank was effected, with the following officers and direc- 
tors: Thomas Mumford, president; James S. Seymour, 
cashier, and Nathaniel Garrow, Archie Kasson, Joseph 
Colt, Horace Hills, Walter Weed, George F. Leitch, Enos 



146 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

T. Throop, David Brinkerhoflf, James Porter, John Bow- 
man, Hezakiah Goodwin and William McCarthy compos- 
ing the board of directors. The Bank of Auburn was now 
legally organized with a full quota of officers and directors, 
but the organization had no quarters in which to carry on 
the business. 

A committee composed of the following men had been 
appointed to receive subscriptions and award the stock; 
Squire Munro, Samuel D. Lockwood, Nathaniel Garrow, 
Glen Cuyler and James Porter. The capital stock was 
placed at four hundred thousand dollars, and at the end 
of the one week alloted the committee found that one 
million and ninety thousand dollars had been subscribed. 
This at first presented a cheerful prospect, whereas in 
very truth it was the beginning of trouble for the new 
institution. 

Through the offices of Garrow and Throop, who had 
been chosen for the purpose, banking quarters were 
secured in the Demarre block, but they were not as 
yet ready for occupancy, therefore, in the desire to begin 
business a temporary place was leased in a room of 
Bostwick's tavern situated at the corner of Genesee and 
Exchange streets. Here on the 17th day of August, 1817, 
James S. Seymour, the cashier, opened for business the 
Bank of Auburn. 

Meanwhile a call had been issued for a payment of 
seven dollars on each share of stock allotted in the placing 
of the four hundred thousand dollars of stock. This 
call developed a little tornado of kicks and criticisms and 
notes of dissatisfaction among many who had been seek- 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 147 

ing stock in the bank. Charges of unfair deahng in the 
matter of allotting the stock, of monopoly and favoritism 
choked the atmosphere of the banking circle and the town 
for some time. Some, therefore, refused to pay their 
subscriptions. As a conclusion, less than one hundred 
thousand dollars of the stock subscribed was ever paid in. 
Some in the effort meanwhile to discredit the bank 
offered their stock at thirty-six per cent, discount, and 
others advertised their stock for sale at auction. 

But the bank, fortunately, was captained by men of 
ability and strict integrity, which was the saving element 
of the institution at that time, and, it may be said, that 
in the matter of control and management the same class 
of ability and fidelity has carried the institution through- 
out its nearly one hundred years of existence without a 
stain. Today it is one of the strongest banks in the State. 

Early in the year 1818 Thomas Mumford, Joseph Colt, 
George F. Leitch, and Nathaniel Garrow were appointed 
a committee to superintend the erection of a bank build- 
ing suitable, as the specifications stated, for the bank 
and a residence for the cashier. The building was com- 
pleted and occupied that year. The old building is still 
intact adjoining the more modern bank building on 
Genesee street. In 1865 the Bank of Auburn became 
the National Bank of Auburn. 

The officers of the bank from 1817 to 1913 have been 
as follows: Presidents, Thomas Mumford, 1817 to 1820; 
Daniel Kellogg, 1820 to 1836; John H. Beach, 1836 to 
1839; George F. Leitch, 1839 to 1846; Cornelius Cuyler, 
1846 to 1849; James S. Seymour, 1849 to 1875; Corydon 



148 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

H. Merriman, 1876-1877; Silas L. Bradley, 1877 to 1883; 
Edward H. Avery, 1883 to 1908; George B. Longstreet, 
1908 to 1913; Frank E. Swift, was elected president to 
succeed Mr. Longstreet. James Seymour who became 
president in 1849 had served as the bank's cashier since 
1817. Corydon H. Merriman succeeded Mr. Seymour 
as cashier in 1849 and continued until 1876. James 
Seymour, Jr., then became cashier and served until 1891. 
From this date to 1908 George B. Longstreet was the 
cashier. Upon the election of Mr. Longstreet as president 
in 1908, Henry T. Keeler was chosen to succeed him and 
is still the cashier. James Seymour, Jr., served as vice- 
president from 1892 to 1898. In 1900 Frederick Allen 
was chosen vice-president and it still serving. In 1912 
Mr. Gerald D. Boardman was elected second vice- 
president. 

JAMES S. SEYMOUR, ESQ. 

The life of James S. Seymour was so closely interlinked 
with the life of the Bank of Auburn that the story of the 
one without the other would not be complete. 

For fifty-nine years Mr. Seymour was the main con- 
trolling and conserving force in the bank's affairs. They 
were years of earnest devotion on his part, years of suc- 
cess in his undertaking and years full of honor. He was 
a man of unswerving fidelity and integrity in all his life 
connections. From 1817 to 1849 he was the bank's able 
cashier; from 1849 to 1876 he was as safe and sound 
as its executive head. 

Mr. Seymour was a native of West Hartford, Conn., 
where his parents and many of their ancestors had lived 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 149 

since 1639. He was born on the 13th day of April, 1791, 
and was therefore 26 years of age when he moved to 
Auburn and became cashier of the bank in 1817. He 
had already been engaged in a manufacturing industry 
in his native state and also had served for a considerable 
period as clerk in a banking house and this, coupled with 
his ability and strength of character, contributed to his 
eminent success. 

Through Mr. Seymour's initiative and money invest- 
ment the first book store was established in Auburn about 
1830. This book store, with its value and demonstrated 
influence in the community, led to the establishment of the 
Seymour Library more than 45 years later. Mr. Sey- 
mour's heart was in every movement that made for 
education and better citizenship. To him Auburn is 
indebted for its splendid library of today, the Seymour 
Library. He established it and at his death endowed it. 
He was in more ways than one a benefactor and a force 
and an influence for the best things in life. 

Mr. Seymour never married. Perhaps it was because 
his mind was wholly engrossed in his many undertakings. 
While he left no immediate relatives, the entire com- 
munity mourned him when he died in 1876. 

CORYDON H. MERRIMAN 

Cory don H. Merriman was another citizen who occupied 
a prominent place in banking and in many other business 
interests of Auburn. For forty years Mr. Merriman 
was identified with the Auburn Bank and during this time 
was a close and valued friend of Mr. Seymour. 



150 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Mr. Merriman was a keen business man and with it he 
had the faculty of making and holding friends. He 
located in Auburn 1834, becoming at that time a book- 
keeper in the bank and from that time to his death his 
chief business association was with the Auburn Bank as 
bookkeeper, cashier and president, to which trusts he 
was as devoted as he was to those with whom he did 
business. He died in 1877, one year after the death of 
his associate and friend, Mr. Seymour. 

CAYUGA COUNTY NATIONAL BANK 

The second bank to be established in Auburn was the 
Cayuga County Bank in 1833. By that date Auburn 
had more than trebled in population since the foundation 
of the Bank of Auburn. Many strong industries had 
been established since 1817 and, moreover, there was a 
definite movement toward building a steam railroad. 
All these conditions added to the urgency for the second 
bank. 

The charter for the Cayuga County National Bank 
was applied for in 1825 but was not granted by the State 
Legislature until March 14, 1833. The capital stock was 
fixed at $250,000 and the subscription books were soon 
opened for subscriptions. In the short period of three 
days one million two hundred thousand dollars were 
subscribed. After an equitable division of the stock, 
the bank was organized with the following as officers and 
directors: Isaac S. Miller, Eleazer Hills, Levi Lewis, 
Stephen Van Anden, Nathaniel Garrow, Rowland Day, 
Peter Yawger, George B. Throop, John Seymour, William 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 151 

Noble, Robert Muir, Charles Pardee and Sherman 
Beardsley. Nathaniel Garrow was chosen president 
and George B. Throop, cashier. Early in 1834 the bank 
proceeded to erect the banking building which it now 
occupies, with notable enlargement and vast improve- 
ments having been made. 

In 1865 the Cayuga County Bank became a national 
bank and the title of the institution was changed merely 
to the Cayuga County National Bank. In 1874 the stock 
was reduced to $200,000. The National Bank of Auburn 
has been a safe and strong banking institution since its 
beginning. It has been conducted by sane and sound 
business men, who have been regardful of their public 
trust. The bank's quarters today are spacious and 
modern in every detail. 

The officers of the bank from 1833 to 1913 have been: 
Presidents — Nathaniel Garrow, 1833 to 1839; John 
Beardsley, 1839 to 1843; Nelson Beardsley, 1843 to 1896; 
George H. Nye, 1896 now in office. Cashiers — George 
B. Throop, 1833 to 1840; Josiah N. Starin, 1840 to 1873; 
A. L. Palmer, 1873 to 1896; Charles Hoskins, 1896 to 
September 1910. September 1910 George S. Snyder was 
chosen cashier and is now serving. At the time of Mr. 
Snyder's elevation to the cashiership Carl A. Neumeister 
was chosen assistant cashier and is now in office. 

THE AUBURN SAVINGS BANK 

The charter of the Auburn Savings Bank was granted 
March 19, 1849. Its name then was the Auburn Savings 
Institution, but in 1869 the name was changed as at present. 



152 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

The first trustees of the institution were: Charles B. 
Perry, Nelson Beardsley, Daniel Hewson, Thomas G. 
How, Jr., Cyrus C. Dennis, John Olmsted, John L. 
Watrous, Dr. Sylvester Willard, James O. Derby, Spencer 
Parsons, Samuel Blatchford and J. N. Starin. Hon. 
Charles B. Perry was the first president and Charles P. 
Wood the first treasurer. In 1860 Dr. Willard was 
chosen president to succeed Judge Perry and continued 
until 1894. Edwin R. Fay then succeeded Dr. Willard 
as president and served until January, 1909. He was 
succeeded at this time by David M. Dunning. 

The Auburn Savings Institution began business in a 
room over a store on the north side of Genesee street east 
of North street. From there it moved to the ground floor 
at 72 Genesee street. In 1871 the present Auburn 
Savings Bank Building was completed, since which time 
the bank has had pleasant and convenient quarters. 
The bank now carries the names of about two thousand 
depositors with more than six million dollars in deposits. 
David M. Dunning was elected president in . 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD & CO. 

As a private banking house W. H. Seward & Company 
have had an unusually long and noteworthy career. 
The banking house was established in 1860, the name of 
the firm then being W. H. Seward, Jr. & Co. The 
firm was then composed of Gen. William H. Seward and 
Gen. Clinton D. MacDougall, both young men, yet 
possessing qualifications for the making of a successful 
business. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 153 

Soon after starting the bank, however, both of them 
entered the service in the Civil War and were active in 
the field until the war closed. Meanwhile, the banking 
house of W. H. Seward, Jr. & Co., was mainly in charge of 
James S. Seymour, who volunteered to assume the 
responsibility in order to make possible the younger men's 
service for the Government. Upon the return of Messrs. 
Seward and MacDougall, the business was carried on 
until 1869, when Hon. Theodore M. Pomeroy became a 
member of the firm, and one year later Gen. MacDougall 
withdrew to engage in other business. The present 
members of the Company, besides Gen. Seward, are 
William H. Seward, Jr., and Joseph C. Anderson. 

Although a private bank the institution always has 
occupied a high place in the banking world. Its sound- 
ness and credit and method of doing business have never 
been questioned. 

THE CAYUGA COUNTY SAVINGS BANK 

The organization of the Cayuga County Savings Bank 
came about wholly through the efforts of William H. 
Meaker its present treasurer. The bank was chartered 
under a special act of the State Legislature in 1864. 
The title of the institution then was the Mutual Savings 
Bank of Auburn. The perfected organization was 
brought about February 1, 1865 and the first board of 
trustees chosen included the following: James S. Sey- 
mour, Augustus Rowland, Cyrus C. Dennis, Elmer P. 
Ross, Edwin B. Morgan, Corydon H. Merriman, Christo- 
pher Morgan, Benjamin B. Snow, William H. Seward, Jr., 



154 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Theodore M. Pomeroy, Horace T. Cook, Samuel Adams, 
Guernsey Jewett, Horatio J. Brown, David Tompkins, 
Daniel Hewson and Morell S. Fitch. After the completed 
organization February 1, 1865, the following officers 
w^ere chosen: Cyrus C. Dennis, president; H. J, Brown, 
vice-president, and William H. Meaker, secretary and 
treasurer. 

The institution was for some time quartered with the 
Auburn City National Bank and continued to carry on 
its business in the new banking quarters on Genesee street 
to which the Auburn City National Bank moved in 1869. 
In 1872, however, the Savings Bank purchased the bank 
property at the corner of Genesee and State streets. 
Recently the building has been greatly enlarged and the 
interior of the bank vastly improved. It is now a well 
appointed and handsomely fitted banking institution. 
In 1875 the name of the bank was changed to the Cayuga 
County Savings Bank. The institution now has about 
one thousand accounts and a total deposit of about four 
million dollars. 

The presidents have been Cyrus C. Dennis, from 
organization to April, 1866. He was succeeded in July 
1866 by H. J. Brown. Since him there have been Horace 
T. Cook, Cyrenus Wheeler, Jr., William H. Seward and 
William F. Wait, the latter still being the president. 
William H. Meaker is the treasurer, a position he has held 
since the foundation of the bank. 




JAMES S. SEYMOUR 

First Cashier Bank of Auburn. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 155 

AUBURN CITY NATIONAL BANK 

The City Bank was organized in 1853. It began busi- 
ness on North street and later moved to the corner of 
North and Genesee streets, next door west of the present 
Auburn Trust Company. 

In 1866 the bank became a national bank and the 
change was merely to xVuburn City National Bank. 
The officers were Augustus Howland, president, Adam 
Miller, vice-president, and Charles G. Briggs, cashier. 
In 1858 Mr. Frank L. Sheldon was elected president and 
in 1862 Mr. Howland was again chosen president. In 
1877 the Auburn City National Bank consolidated or 
merged with the First National, retaining the City Bank's 
name. The Bank failed in 1888. 

THE AUBURN EXCHANGE NATIONAL BANK 

The Auburn Exchange Bank was chartered in 1855 
with a capital of $100,000. William T. Graves, president, 
C. E. Burtis, vice-president, and William C. Beardsley, 
cashier. It was organized by William C. Beardsley and 
was largely under his management. The bank did a 
successful business and finally went into voluntary 
liquidation, paying one hundred and twenty-five cents 
on the dollar. 

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK 

The First National Bank was organized in 1865 with 
Elmer P. Ross as president and Charles N. Ross, cashier. 
It then occupied quarters at No. 129 Genesee street. 
The capital stock of the bank was $100,000. In 1877 it 
merged with the Auburn City National Bank, which 
failed in 1888. 



156 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

EDWIN R. FAY & SOX 

This is a private bank which was established in 1892 
by Mr. Edwin R. Fay. It is a strong and successful 
banking house, having a large number of depositors and 
a good volume of business. 

AUBURN TRUST COMPANY 

The Auburn Trust Company was organized and re- 
ceived its charter on August 17, 1906, and opened for 
business on August "^T, 1906 at its present location. No. 63 
Genesee street. 

Its first officers and directors were: John M. Brainard, 
president; Henry D. Xoble, 1st vice-president; Edwin 
R. Fa}', 2d vice-president; George W. Benham, 3d vice- 
president; Ralph R. Keeler, secretary and treasurer. 
The present directors are: Wilbur B. Barnes, James C. 
Bishop, George W. Benliam, George W. Bowen, Willard 
E. Case, John M. Brainard, Thomas F. Dignum, D. 
Edwin French, Frank A. Eldredge, Gurdon S. Fanning, 
Edwin R. Fay, Thomas H. Garrett, Jr., William B. 
Hislop, Hendrick S. Holden, J. S. Gray, Julius Kraft, 
Sanford G. Lyon, Henry D. Noble, F. T. Pierson, W. 
H. Moffitt, Luther W. Mott, Franklin P. Taber, 
Ralph R. Keeler, Adolphus H. Searing. 

On the first day the Company opened for business it 
received in deposits, $65,000.00, which have continued to 
increase until now the deposits are over $2,000,000. 

The Company organized with $150,000 capital, and 
$150,000 surplus all paid in. 

The growth both in deposits and depositors had been 
phenomenal, the present number of depositors being 5824. 




CHAPTER VII 

H ISTORY NOTES — RAILROADS THE NEW EPOCH 

IHE years from 1810 to the fifties were marked 
by an evolution of societies of almost every 
type and kind, and each organized for 
some definite purpose. Some of them were 
valuable societies and did good work in 
educating and elevating the towTispeople. 

In 1828 a society was organized which was composed 
mainly of the cle^g^'men of the village. Its aim and 
scope seems to have been far reaching, if it was not actually 
oppressive. The first inspiration of the organization was 
to put on foot a movement to secure general attendance 
at church services on Sundays, and as a second part, to 
compel the stoppage of all business including the stage 
lines. The first proposition met with little protest but 
against the others there was united hostility, and so the 
society died with not a single count to its credit. 

A little later came the Auburn Literar>^ Association 
which included among its active membership many 
representative citizens of the village. Cory don H. 
Merriman, Stephen A. Goodwin, William Richardson, 
B. F. Hall, S. B. Dennis, Alonzo G. Beardsley, Dr. Frank 
H. Hamilton, Peter Myers, Dr. Erastus Humphreys and 
WiUiam Hoskins were among the promoters of the enter- 
prise. The organization had suitable quarters on Genesee 



158 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

street in the Chedell building where the important topics 
of the time were discussed and lectures on stated subjects 
were delivered in a room of Gen. Chedell 's museum. 
These lectures were given by local literary people and by 
foreign talent. As a rule, admission to the hall was free, 
but on the occasion of a lecture by a foreigner, there was 
a charge of twelve and one-half cents to defray the ex- 
penses. And this admission charge of one shilling 
developed the spectre of discontent and antagonism that 
finally had much to do with disrupting the society. 

Auburn, like many other towns in 1825, was privileged 
to entertain for a short time that distinguished French- 
man, Gen. Lafayette. It was the eighth of June when 
Gen. Lafayette reached the village from the west and 
the entire populace turned out to pay honor to the nation's 
guest. Alvah Warden, Enos T. Throop, Elijah Miller, 
John W. Hurlbut, Samuel Dill, Gersham Powers, Dr. 
Joseph Pittney, Erastus D. Tuttle, Stephen W. Hughes, 
William H. Seward, Ezekial Williams, Gilbert A. Gamage, 
John Grover, Robert Wiltsie, Nathaniel Garrow, and 
Eleazer Hoskins were appointed a committee to have 
charge of the various functions of the day. John W. 
Hurlbut, Esq., was chosen by the committee to deliver 
the address of welcome and Gen. Brinkerhoff was ap- 
pointed marshal. The reception committee proceeded 
to Cayuga and escorted Gen. Lafayette and his party 
to Auburn. There was unbounded enthusiasm at that 
time. The memory of the recent war for independence 
and the part Gen. Lafayette had taken in it aroused the 
patriotism of all. Gen. Lafayette spent the evening in 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 159 

the village, and was royally entertained. He left at 
eleven o'clock for Syracuse. 

Again in 1829 the spirit of militarism became upper- 
most in Auburn and five companies were organized to 
form a regiment of artillery. The officers were: William 
H. Seward, First Lieutenant; Colonel John Wright, 
Major; Lyman Hinman, Adjutant; Oscar S. Burgess, 
Quartermaster; John H. Chedell, Paymaster; and the 
surgeons were Dr. H. L. Markham and Dr. Blanchard 
Fosgate. The organizatioli was active and alert in the 
matter of drill and maneuvers. It continued for several 
years as an active organization. 

PAPER MILLS 

The manufacture of paper of various kinds began in 
Auburn in 1827. The first mill was erected on the Outlet, 
near the Miller & Beach cotton factory. It was built by 
Thomas M. Skinner, George C. Skinner and Eleazer Hills. 
It was known as the Auburn Paper Mill. The chief 
product at first was the better grades of writing paper, 
but later the mill added print paper to its output. The 
mill continued with a good degree of success until the 
panic of 1837, when it, like many other interests, met 
disaster. The plant, however, in 1840 passed to the 
Cayuga County Bank. L. W. Nye and Charles Eldred 
soon after this leased the plant and continued the busi- 
ness. In 1849 a company was organized by David S. 
West, L. W. Nye, John C. Ivison, David Foote, Henry 
Ivison, Aurelius Wheeler, Ashiel Cooley, and Russell 
Chappell, to carry on the business. The capital stock 
was placed at $20,000. As to the success of the enter- 



160 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

prise during this middle period there is little record, 
however; in 1854 the company was reorganized with 
increased capital. The local book publishers, Derby & 
Co., and Alden, Beardsley & Co., were practically con- 
suming the product of the mill. The business of paper 
making, at any rate, continued as a profitable industry 
for some time. There were other paper mills during this 
period all of which finally gave way to other lines of 
industry. 

In early time, as stated in a previous chapter, there 
was a wooden bridge constructed across the Outlet on 
Genesee street. In 1829 this bridge was replaced with a 
massive arched stone structure. It was so massive, in 
fact, that it was borne down by its own weight. This in 
turn was replaced by another wooden bridge, which 
stood for many years. At this time too the era of stone 
business blocks began, and during the succeeding ten 
years many such buildings were erected along Genesee 
street, and some of them are still standing and, although 
not strictly modern, they are substantial and imposing. 

The manufacture of fancy woolen cloth began in the 
twenties. The cloth was made in considerable variety, 
both as to color and patterns. Suitings for men and 
women were made in black, blue and grey, all having 
vogue for several years. 

From the time of the incorporation of the village in 
1815 to 1835 there seems not to have been a village hall, 
but at that time the erection of a town hall was begun and 
was completed in 1837 at a cost of $30,000. In 1848 
it became the City Hall and has continued as such to 
date. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 161 

The town hall, however, was intended to serve a double 
purpose, in fact, for many years it served a multitude of 
purposes. Besides being the official town hall, the ground 
floor was arranged for a public market. The butchers, 
the hucksters and some other lines of trade occupied 
booths or compartments properly arranged and leased 
to such dealers for a stipulated sum. Moreover, a part 
of the second floor for some years was occupied by the 
Young Ladies Institute, the school conducted by Prof. 
M. L. Browne. Finally, the municipality refitted the 
building, since which time it has been in all respects a 
City Hall. 

The panic of 1837 was probably the force that defeated 
the project of establishing in the village a INIethodist 
college. The enterprise was launched in 1835 and re- 
ceived the hearty co-operation and support of many 
citizens of Auburn. A site was selected at the corner of 
Genesee and Washington streets comprising ten acres 
and a movement was in progress to raise a fund of fifty 
thousand dollars to erect a building on the Dill farm for 
Auburn College. A board of trustees consisting of the 
following citizens was chosen: Gen. John H. Chedell, 
William H. Seward, Hon. Joseph L. Richardson and 
Nathaniel Garrow. Forty thousand dollars had been 
subscribed when the depression of 1837 came on and 
discouraged further efforts in the undertaking. The 
project never was revived. 

In 1836 the village of Auburn extended its limits to 
include the whole town of Auburn. This year too the 
village streets were lighted with oil lamps for the first 



162 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

time. Upon some of the streets these were the beacon 
lights that possibly saved some citizens from being sunk 
in the mud. 

The following was the year of the great fire which 
destroyed Hyde, Wattrous & Go's, store, Norman Ben- 
nett's dry goods store, H. C. Pease's furniture store, 
Melbie Camp's dry goods, Crashy & Polkbun's dry goods 
store, Munger & Perry, dry goods, J. S. Bartlett & Co., 
dry goods, T. M. Hunt's drug store, D. C. Stewart, dry 
goods, Bemus & Leonard's restaurant and some others. 
It is this occurrence that brought into vogue the stone and 
brick structures in the business section. 

In face of this disaster, and the panic, the citizens of 
Auburn had the heart to give Henry Clay a most cordial 
reception that year. He was followed in 1839 by Martin 
Van Buren and in 1843 John Quincy Adams paid Auburn 
a visit. Clay and Adams were Whigs and Van Buren a 
Democrat and the inspiration of the trips was politics. 

But the panic of 1837 wrought havoc in Auburn as it 
did throughout the country. Many Auburn people lost 
their footing and finally suffered financial collapse. 
Manufacturing plants were crippled and the banks were 
unable to get sufficient currency or specie to meet the 
demands. In 1841 and 1842 Auburn was forging ahead 
again. 

THE STEAM RAILROADS 

May 1, 1834, the Auburn and Syracuse Railroad 
Company was chartered with a capital stock of $400,000. 
And here again the spirit and progressiveness of Auburn 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 



163 



citizens was in evidence, for $350,000 of the stock was 
taken in Auburn. Among the dwellers along the pro- 
posed route there was no confidence in the project and the 
opposing interests were active in their efforts to discourage 
and defeat the undertaking. The Erie Canal and the 
established stage lines were held by some to be too formid- 
able rivals for a steam road to compete with successfully. 
Nevertheless, the promoters went forward with the work. 
The organization of the company was effected on the 
20th day of January, 1835, with the following officers: 
Elijah Miller, president; Asaph D. Leonard, secretary; 
George B. Throop, treasurer; and the directors were: 
Nathaniel Garrow, John M. Sherwood, Stephen Van 
Anden, Obijah Fitch, and Edward E. Marvine of Auburn, 
Vivius W. Smith and Henry Raynor of Syracuse. 

The Auburn and Syracuse road was practically com- 
pleted by 1838 and on January 8th, of that year the first 
train, drawn by horses, passed over the road. June 4, 
1839, the first train drawn by an engine took a crowd of 
people from Auburn to Syracuse. There were many then 
who believed that possibly the steam railroad might be 
advantageous for passenger traffic, but it never could hope 
to compete successfully for freight business. But the 
road was finally established and following this event many 
Auburnians saw visions of a great city with the State 
capitol located on the east hill. 

In 1836 the Auburn and Rochester Railroad was 
incorporated and completed in 1841. From this time 
until 1854 the road by the way of Auburn was the main 
line of the New York Central. But the building of the 



164 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

first road through the village, it must be stated here, was 
due to the public spirit and courage of Auburn citizens. 
They contributed seven-eighths of the capital and, with 
the exception of two members, the officers and board of 
directors were composed of progressive and constructive 
Auburn men. The Auburn and Syracuse and the Auburn 
and Rochester railroads were consolidated in 1850. 

SOUTHERN CENTRAL — NOW LEHIGH VALLEY 

The building of the Southern Central Railroad was 
not finally accomplished without many trials and difficult 
obstacles to overcome. 

As early as 1852 a company was organized to con- 
struct the Lake Ontario, Auburn and New York Rail- 
road. The road as projected began at Fair Haven on 
Lake Ontario and passed through Auburn and on south- 
ward to connect at some point with the Erie Railroad, 
taking nearly the route over which the Auburn and 
Lansing now runs. The capital stock was $1,500,000, and 
the board of directors and officers were as follows: Presi- 
dent, Thomas Y. How, Jr.; secretary, Benj. F. Hall; 
treasurer, Joshua Burt, and the directors were Roland 
F. Russell, Worthington Smith, Hiram S. Farrar, Moses 
T. Telly, O. C. Crocker, Lyman Murdock, Isaac Bell, 
David Cook, and Robert Hume. Nearly four hundred 
thousand dollars were expended in securing right of way 
and the grading of the roadbed, yet the project for lack 
of money failed of completion. In 1856 another com- 
pany was organized to take up the work and push it to a 
successful termination. After an outlay of about five 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 165 

hundred thousand dollars the undertaking failed in great 
part on account of the breaking out of the Civil War. 

In 1865 a new company was organized with a new set 
of oflScers and directors and also a new route southward 
from Auburn under contemplation. This route was 
along Owasco lake, thence to Dryden and Owego. Cyrus 
C. Dennis was one of the chief promoters and was the 
president of the company. J. J. Taylor, vice-president; 
William H. Seward, Jr., treasurer; and George I. Post, 
secretary. The directors were: Thomas C. Piatt, of 
Owego; WilHam Lincoln, of Newark Valley; Hiram W. 
Sears of Dryden; H. K. Clark, of Groton; William Titus, 
of Moravia, Charles P. Wood, WiUiam C. Barber, and 
George J. Leitch, of Auburn and John T. Knapp, of Cato. 
The road was built in three sections, the first from Lake 
Ontario to Auburn, and the second from Auburn to 
Owego, and thence on to Sayre, Pa., for the third section. 

Much difficulty was experienced in the new project. 
There were some members of the new company who 
still contended in favor of the former route but the towns 
through which the new line was projected were liberally 
subscribing for the stock of the road and some towns 
were bonding. The money for construction was finally 
raised largely through the personal efforts of Gen. William 
H. Seward, Jr., the treasurer, and the Southern Central 
was formally opened for traffic in 1869. In 1884 the road 
was taken over and became a part of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad system. 

The Cayuga Southern Railroad was at first constructed 
from Cayuga southward along the lake to Ithaca. It was 



166 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

begun in 1871 and completed in 1873. In 1877 this also 
passed to the Lehigh Valley Railroad and by means of a 
short spur that company has a line from Auburn to Ithaca 
by way of the Cayuga Lake road. 

The Auburn and Lansing, the "short line," to Ithaca 
was built in 1906 and follows practically the old "Mur- 
dock route" or the line projected by the Lake Ontario, Au- 
burn and New York in 1852. Auburn at present, there- 
fore, has steam railroads radiating in six different direc- 
tions, affording very excellent shiping facilities to all 
parts of the country. 

The Hon. Alfred Conkling was an early and very 
distinguished resident of Auburn. Judge Conkling settled 
on Owasco road, and built Melrose, one of the handsome 
estates along that highway between the heart of Auburn 
and Owasco lake. It is now the residence of George H. 
Nye, Esq. 

Judge Conkling was a man of exceptional ability, 
coupled with the characteristics and manners of a gentle- 
man of the old school. He was prominent in various 
enterprises and in public affairs. He was Judge of the 
United States District Court of the northern District of 
New York and for several years the United States Minister 
to Mexico, in which capacity he served with distinction. 
He had three sons, Aurelian, Frederick, and Roscoe, the 
latter later becoming one of the country's most conspicu- 
ous figures in national affairs. 

Peter P. R. Hayden began business in Auburn in the 
early thirties. He became a member of the firm of 
Hayden & Letchworth who were manufacturers having 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 167 

a contract in the prison. The business was large and 
very profitable for a considerable number of years. 
Meanwhile, Mr. Hayden had interests in many other 
cities. He had foundries, rolling mills and brass works 
in Pittsburgh, Columbus, Ohio, St. Louis, San Francisco, 
Los Angeles, Newark, N. J., and in several other cities, 
besides being the owner of large coal mines in Pennsyl- 
vania. On account of those many interests, Mr. Hayden 
left Auburn in the early forties. He died at the age of 81. 

JOSIAH BARBER 

Josiah Barber engaged in business in Auburn in 1828. 
He was a contractor in the prison where he made tweeds, 
carpets, and bed spreads. Later he began the manu- 
facture of carpets, both ingrain and brussels. 

In 1847 Mr. Barber erected the Barber Mill on Wash- 
ington street, now the Dunn & McCarthy shops. Later 
his sons were engaged in business with him. They built 
up a great business and the Barber mill was one of the 
chief industries of the city. Mr. Barber was born in 
Colmans, Albany county, N. Y. His parents were 
Quakers and Mr. Barber, after locating in Auburn, 
identified himself with the Universalist church and was 
one of the active promoters and supporters of that church. 
Mr. Barber was a keen and successful business man, of 
strict integrity, progressive and helpful to the com- 
munity. He died in Auburn, May 5, 1880. 

During the thirties and early forties there were several 
sea captains settled in Auburn. They were interesting 
characters and some of them added distinction to the 
village. 



168 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM SWAIN 

Captain William Swain was a son of William and 
Phoebe Barnard Swain who were Nantucket Quakers. 
They lived in Saratoga county, N. Y., for a few years 
where their son Captain William was born. This was 
about the time of Burgoyne's surrender, October, 1777. 
He saw the "red coats" in and around his father's house. 
Afterwards the family returned to Nantucket. From 
this port William Swain, then a youth, sailed on a whaling 
vessel during the days when Napoleon's wars were blockad- 
ing Holland. Later he entered the employ of the Messrs. 
Enderby, a very wealthy and enterprising firm of London, 
whose whaling ships were on every sea from the Arctic 
to the Antartic circle. He continued with this firm about 
thirty years, at which time he retired from sea life. In 
London, Capt. Swain married in 1812, Catherine Mitchell, 
daughter of Dr. George Mitchell, a London physician. 
In 1831 he moved to Auburn where he resided in the house 
now standing on William street. He afterwards bought 
and beautified a farm at Half Acre. A few years later 
he came into town and built a large brick home on Grover 
street. Capt. Swain's life was full of interesting incidents 
and events on the sea. He at one time narrowly escaped 
from a French man-of-war by a bold and ingenous device, 
and was active in the suppression of a mutiny on his ship. 
He also saw the sinking of a French privateer which 
attacked him at night, his ship being defended by but one 
gun, besides many other thrilling experiences of his day. 
Capt. Swain was an interesting character and had a host 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 169 

of warm friends in Auburn. He died in 1875 and was 
buried in St. Peter's churchyard. 

CAPTAIN CHASE 

Captain George B. Chase was also from Nantucket, 
Rhode Island. He began a seafaring life when a boy and 
sailed the seas over. While still a young man be became 
commander of a merchant sailing vessel and followed 
the life until he had accumulated a competence. Then he, 
like most other sailors, sought to live far from the ocean, 
and about 1825 he moved to Auburn with his family 
of children, his wife having died in Nantucket. He 
purchased several hundred acres of land in what is now 
the north-eastern section of the city, the land lying along 
North street and extending through to State street. 
Upon this land were some of the largest stone quarries 
in the vicinity of Auburn. A great part of the stone 
used in the construction of the prison came from the 
quarries on the Chase farm. Capt. Chase erected a 
residence on North street which is still occupied by his 
granddaughter, Mrs. Dexter A. Smith. 

Captain Chase was an odd character and a notable 
entertainer, with a mind full of quaint and interesting 
incidents and experienced in a long and eventful sea life. 
He was also a connoisseur, with the ability to prepare de- 
lectable dinners. He gave many of these to his friends 
and acquaintances at different times. The Chase home was 
a favorite rendezvous for all who enjoyed a good meal 
and an interesting story. He was coroner at the time 
of the famous Van Ness murder south of the city. Cap- 
tain Chase died in 1855. 



170 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

CAPTAIN COFFIN 

Captain Joshua Coffin was born at Cape Cod, but in 
early life moved to Nantucket and began there a sea life. 

Captain Coffin when a young man became commander 
of a whaling vessel and followed the sea until 1843. At 
that time he joined the colony of seamen then living in 
Auburn. He first bought a farm north of the city but 
he had lived too long on the water to be a successful 
farmer. He finally moved into the city where he spent 
the remaining years of his life. 

Captain Coffin married Delia Baker, of Cape Cod. 
They had three children, two sons, Joshua and Frederick 
and one daughter who became the wife of Morris M. 
Olmsted. They were the parents of Mrs. D. E. Clapp, 
of Auburn. Capt, Coffin died in 1875. His wife survived 
him several years. 

CAPTAIN SHUBAEL COTTLE 

Captain Shubael Cottle was another whaler who sailed 
from Nantucket. He quit the sea in 1821 and settled on 
a farm west of the city. After three years he too learned 
that he was not a successful farmer, and therefore he 
abandoned the farm and moved into the village. His 
residence was for many years on Franklin street. He 
died February 16, 1864. 

CAPTAIN GEORGE CROCKER 

Captain George Crocker, of Nantucket, quit the sea 
about 1840 and purchased a farm a little east of the city, 
where he spent his life and died in 1887. 



c 

o O 

a W 
a. 

C 
» "^ 

n 50 

• O 
a 

H 
G 




HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 171 

During the presidential campaign, or log cabin cam- 
paign, of 1840, there was the greatest interest and activity 
in Auburn. Many of the most prominent men of the 
village were zealous supporters of Whig candidates 
as were others also of the Democratic candidates. K log 
cabin was built on lower Genesee street around which 
much interest centered and from which radiated a great 
part of the political activity in the campaign. The State 
campaign also was in progress and Gov. William H. 
Seward was a candidate for a second term. He was 
extremely popular at home and throughout the State, 
therefore taken together they were days of keen interest 
and much enthusiastic demonstration in the village. 
On one occasion during this campaign a huge loaf of bread 
was baked in the bake shop of Alexander McCrea and 
when ready to be taken from the oven Col. John Richard- 
son, who was marshal of the day, was obliged to use his 
sword of the War of 1812 to cut the loaf in pieces before 
it could be taken out. It was seven feet long and weighed 
over five hundred pounds. The log cabin remained intact 
for some time after the campaign was over. 

About 1841 there was a well organized movement by 
several citizens of Auburn to introduce the enterprise 
of silk making. Mulberry trees were set out and an 
attempt was made to introduce cocoons for the making 
of silk. The project met with some degree of success for 
a time. Apparently it was not sufficiently profitable to 
warrant further attempt, because the industry gradually 
died out. 



172 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

THE MARTHA WASHINGTON SOCIETY 

In 1841 there was started in Auburn a concerted move- 
ment in temperance work. The undertaking was con- 
ceived by many of the leading women of the village who 
entered into the spirit of the cause with courage and 
resolution. An organization was effected, known as the 
Martha Washington Society, and through this the work 
of reform and temperance was carried on. Mrs. L. E. 
Lathrop was the first president. She was followed by 
Mrs. Myron C. Reed, Mrs. Isaac Selover, Mrs. Daniel 
Hewson, Miss Amanda Irish, and Mrs. Charles M. 
Howlet. 

The Society did effective work not alone in advancing 
the cause of temperance in the village, but was alert 
and active in giving aid to needy families and caring for 
children made destitute by drunkenness. The work was 
carried on until 1866, and the influence of the society 
lasted to a much later date. 

THE AUBURN WOOLEN COMPANY 

The Auburn Woolen Manufacturing business was 
started in 1844 by several leading business men of the 
village. William H. Seward, John Beardsley, Capt. 
Bradley Tuttle, Sherman Beardsley, Abijah Fitch, Charles 
M. Pomeroy, Joseph Wadsworth and George C. Thompson 
were associated together for the purpose of manufacturing 
woolen goods. 

In 1847 a corporation was formed with the title of the 
Auburn Woolen Company. Hon. John Porter was 
chosen president and the following were elected directors: 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 173 

Dr. Joseph T. Pittney, Gen. John H. Chedell, Abijah 
Fitch, E. P. Williams, William C. Beardsley, Capt. 
Bradley Tuttle, and Dr. C. B. Maclntyre. The capital 
stock was $100,000. A mill was that year erected near 
the "big dam" and put in operation. A little later the 
capital was increased to $158,000, yet there seems not to 
have been any great degree of success achieved and in 1857 
it passed to Harris & Felton, who in 1859 sold the mill to 
Samuel L. Bush and Munkitrick. The business, however, 
was not stable or successful. After passing through 
several ownerships there was a new organization effected 
in 1863 with $100,000 capital which later was increased 
to $200,000. Thenceforth it was a prosperous industry. 
The product of the mill was mostly cloth for suiting. 
Recently the plant became a part of a great woolen cloth 
manufacturing syndicate. 

In 1846 the State Fair was held in Auburn, the grounds 
being on the Beach farm in the section now known as 
"Capitol hill." The Fair continued three days, and 
although Auburn was still a village, the attendance was 
very satisfactory. The same year brought the telegraph 
to the village, thus furnishing the two daily papers with 
the news of the world for the first time. 

HON. JOHN M. HURD 

Mr. Hurd was born at Sandwich, Conn., in 1832 and 
during his youth learned the art of book binding. In 1852 
he adopted Auburn as his home and engaged as a book- 
binder with the firm of Howe & Husk who were then 
among the principal book binders in the city. A little 



174 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

later he bought the bindery in which he was employed 
and carried on a successful business, until 1861. 

In 1861 Mr. Hurd invented and patented a paper flour 
sack, which he manufactured for a time in the rear part 
of his bindery or in a small building adjoining. He 
later expanded the manufacturing plant. The company 
met with reverses during the Civil War and finally was 
forced into bankruptcy. Soon thereafter Mr. Hurd, with 
a partner, began the manufacture of hand sleds, toy 
wagons and wheel-barrows. The factory was located in 
Dill street. The business prospered in great measure and 
Mr. Hurd to a great extent recouped himself. He was a 
popular citizen, being highly regarded by the whole 
community. He represented the first ward in the board 
of Supervisors and in 1868-1869 was mayor of the city. 
He was capable, honest and earnest in his official service. 
Mr. Hurd died in Auburn in 1886. 

NELSON BEARDSLEY, ESQ. 

Nelson Beardsley possessed many of the qualities of a 
captain of finance. He demonstrated it in many ways 
during a long and singularly successful life. He was born 
with the faculty for hewing out success in the world of 
business; he could not have done otherwise. And what 
he achieved was not by dishonest methods, surely, for he 
was strictly honest and honorable in all his business 
relations. 

Mr. Beardsley was born at Southbury, Mass., May 30th, 
1807. He graduated at Yale College at the age of twenty 
and soon thereafter became a resident of Auburn. He 




*• I 




NELSON BEARDSLEY, ESQ. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 175 

prepared for the law but his business instinct was too keen 
to continue long in the practise. Upon settling in Auburn, 
he entered the law office of Hon. John W. Hurlbert and 
began the study of law. Before the close of the year, 
however, he became a student in the office of William H. 
Sew^ard who was then a young man in active practise. 
He completed his studies with Mr. Seward and after being 
admitted to practise formed a co-partnership with his 
preceptor, which continued until Mr. Beardsley found 
himself permanently in channels of finance and business. 
In 1840 he was chosen president of the Cayuga County 
Bank which he had helped to establish in 1833 and with 
which he had been intimately connected during those 
years. As president of the bank he proved his ability 
as a financier and executive of exceeding value to the 
institution. For a period of fifty years he served as 
president of the Cayuga County National Bank and 
with never a misstep or serious mistake in the conduct 
of its affairs. 

But Mr. Beardsley was interested and active in many 
other things, banks, industries and enterprises that yielded 
sumptuous profits while the stocks increased in value. 
He was exacting with all whom he did business and no 
less exacting with himself. He was undemonstrative 
and unostentatious but did much good in his own quiet 
way. 

Mr. Beardsley married in 1836 Miss Frances Powers, 
daughter of Hon. James Powers, of Catskill. John 
Beardsley, father of Nelson, and James Powers, father of 
Mrs. Nelson Beardsley, were members of the legislature 



176 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

at the same time, which fact cemented a lasting friendship 
between the famihes. Mrs. Nelson Beardsley died in 
1854. 

Mr. Beardsley was one of the organizers and promoters 
of the Oswego Starch Factory in 1848, an enterprise that 
was marvellously successful. He was its president and 
directing force for many years. There were few great 
enterprises launched in Auburn during a long period of 
years of which Mr. Beardsley was not a guiding spirit. 
He made a success of every undertaking. 

Mr. Beardsley died in 1894. There were six daughters 
and no sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Beardsley. He had 
the reputation of being one of the great financiers. 

GEN. JOHN H. CHEDELL 

Gen. Chedell was another one of the men of his time 
who worked out a destiny with credit, honor and distinc- 
tion. He made his own way from early boyhood and 
filled a place in life's affairs that made him a conspicuous 
figure in the community. 

Gen. Chedell was born at Coventry, Tolland County, 
Conn., April 24, 1807. When he was ten years of age his 
father died leaving himself, mother and sisters without 
dependence. Soon thereafter the mother and children 
moved to Hartwick, Otsego county, N. Y. There John H. 
Chedell, the boy, obtained about two years of schooling 
and then became an apprentice at the watchmakers and 
jewelers trade in Cooperstown. At twenty-one he had 
accumulated a good knowledge of the business and a 
little money. With these assets he located in Auburn 




GEN. JOHN H. CHEDELL 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 177 

and began his career in the jewelry business on Genesee 
street. This was in 1829 and he continued in the business 
until 1851. He had been frugal, prudent and keen in the 
business and had made money. Chedell's jewelry store 
was a well known establishment in the village and some 
there are who remember it today. 

Mr. Chedell during the years had been alert and inter- 
ested in other lines of business and various enterprises 
that gave promise of success and therefore profit. When 
the first steam railroad was built from Auburn to Syracuse, 
Mr. Chedell was one of the foremost figures in pushing 
the work to completion. He was afterwards a director 
in the road and realized a great profit from the investment 
he had the courage to make when some others hestitated. 
He was a man of great energy, optimistic in regard to the 
success of great undertakings and always influenced by 
the spirit of progress. 

In manner Gen. Chedell was regarded by some as stern 
and cynical but all who knew him intimately knew that 
he had the kindliest heart and a broad mind that viewed 
matters justly and generously. He was a staunch 
friend to his friends and equally as good a friend to the 
many causes that presented themselves in the community. 
He contributed unstintedly to the churches of the city 
and in great measure to St. Peters of which he was a 
devoted member. The institutions of the city, the 
Home of the Friendless, the Cayuga County Asylum 
for destitute children and other public institutions profited 
by his beneficences. 

Gen. Chedell was for some years president of the Syra- 
cuse National Bank and was identified with the building 



178 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

of some of the railroads other than the New York Central. 
He was also active in military affairs and did valuable 
service in organizing and maintaining the military organi- 
zations. 

In 1828 Gen. Chedell married Miss Melita Cook, 
daughter of Phillip Cook, Esq., of Bath, N. Y. They had 
seven children, three sons and four daughters, none of 
whom now survive. Gen. Chedell died June 19, 1875, 
and thus closed the career of one of Auburn's notable 
citizens. 

HON. HORACE T. COOK 

Horace T. Cook was born in Aurelius, July 22, 1822, 
and was the son of Robert and Roxana Foote Cook who 
were early settlers in Cayuga County. They moved to 
Auburn when Horace T. was three years old. They 
were of New England ancestry and in religion were 
Presbyterians. 

Horace T. was educated in Auburn schools and read 
law with Hon. George Rathbun, and with Governor 
Wm. H. Seward, was admitted to the bar and practised 
law in Cayuga County in 1844, serving meanwhile as a 
Justice of the Peace in 1846. Mr. Cook was first chosen 
County Treasurer by the board of Supervisors. After the 
revision of the constitution in 1848, the office was made 
an elective one and Mr. Cook was elected thereto fifteen 
consecutive times as County Treasurer of Cayuga County. 
His last election occurred in 1893 and he was elected 
without opposition. 

He was County Treasurer during the Civil War, when 
the office was an onerous one and Mr. Cook did the entire 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 179 

work of the office without help, handling all the bonds, 
bounties, etc., by a system devised by himself without an 
error. The last bond was cancelled in 1871, Cayuga 
County being one of the first released from this obliga- 
tion. Mr. Cook's practise of paying war debts with war 
prices was successful. In 1883 the County Treasurer 
took possession of the new offices and then had an assist- 
ant. 

Mr. Cook was one of the founders of the Cayuga County 
Savings Bank, and served as one of its trustees and presi- 
dent. He was treasurer of the First Presbyterian church 
and served on the building committee when the present 
edifice was erected. He was president of the Fort Hill 
Cemetery Association, and was instrumental in having 
erected the stone chapel which now adorns the entrance 
to the Cemetery. 

Mr. Cook married Mrs. Eliza Thompson of Allegan, 
Michigan. She died May 18, 1853. 

Mr. Cook's personality was strong and attractive; 
throughout his life he made many friends and few enemies. 
He was public spirited, his time and energy alwaj^s being 
at the disposal of charitable and public welfare causes. 
Whatever he undertook was well done. As a business 
man and servant of the people he possessed rare attain- 
ments with a broad and open mind. Mr. Cook died in 
Auburn, May 18, 1897. 




CHAPTER VIII 

INCORPORATION OF AUBURN AS A CITY 

In the twenty-first day of March, 1848, 
by a special Act of the Legislature, Auburn 
was chartered as a city. For a period of 
thirty-three years it has lived under a 
village government. Auburn, when it was 

incorporated as a village in 1815, had about one thousand 

population; at the time of becoming a city it had nearly 

nine thousand. 

The first election under the charter was held on the 

first day of April following the grant of the charter. 

There were then five wards in the city; now there are ten. 

The first Mayor chosen at this election was Cyrus C. 

Dennis. The Mayors from 1848 to 1913 have been as 

follows : 

MAYORS 

Cyrus C. Dennis, 1848; Daniel Hewson, 1849; Aure- 
lian Conkling, 1850-1851; Benjamin F. Hall, 1852; 
Thomas Y. How, Jr., 1853; George Underwood, 1854; 
George Underwood resigned and Joshua Burt was elected 
in June to fill the vacancy; John L. Watrous, 1855; 
Sylvanus H. Henry, 1856; Lansingh Briggs, 1857-1859; 
Christopher Morgan, 1860; George Humphreys, 1861- 
1862; Jonas White, Jr., 1863; Charles G. Briggs, 1864; 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 181 

George Humphreys, I860; John S. Fowler, 1866-1867; 
James E. Tyler, 1868; John M. Hurd, 1869; Eli Gallup, 
1870; Thomas Kirkpatrick, 1871; Edward A. Thomas, 
1872; John S. Brown, 1873; Charles N. Ross, 1874; 
Theodore M. Pomeroy, 1875-1876; Alexander McCrea, 
1877; Martin L. Walley, 1878; David M. Osborne, 
1879-1880; Cyrenus Wheeler, Jr., 1881-1886; also 1889- 
1890; Mortimer V. Austin, 1887-1888; David Wads- 
worth, Jr., 1891-1892; John E. Mcintosh, 1893-1894; 
Orlando Lewis, 1895-1900; William C. Burgess, 1901- 
1902; Thomas M. Osborne, 1903-1905; E. Clarence 
Aiken, 1906-1907; C. August Koenig, 1908-1909; 
Thomas H. O'Neill, 1910-1913. 

CITY CLERKS 

The City Clerks have been: Theodore M. Pomeroy, 
1848-1850; William F. Segoine, 1851; Frederic Prince, 
1852-1856; James Seymour, Jr., 1857; Theodore H. 
Schenck, 1858-1859; Amasa B. Hamblin, 1860; William 
H. Meaker, 1861; Amasa H. Hamblin, 1862; Charles 
E. Cootes, 1863; Charles F. Durston, 1864; Daniel 
O'SuUivan, 1865; James Lyon, 1866-1867; Albert L. 
Sisson, 1868; Sereno E. Payne, 1869-1870; Edwin 
Baldwin, 1871-1874; Urban S. Benton, 1875-1876; 
Sumner L. Paddock, 1877-1880; Harold E. Hills, 1881- 
1884; John C. Healey, 1885-1888; Robert J. Carson, 
1889-1894; Frank B. Ives, 1895-1898; Edward H. 
Herrling, 1898-1904; F. Howard Hosmer, 1905; Joseph 
S. Hanlon, 1906-1913. 



182 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

POSTMASTERS 

The postmasters of Auburn from 1800 to 1913 have 
been as follows: 1800-1809, Dr. Samuel Crossett; 1809- 
1815, Enos T. Throop; 1815-1833, George B. Throop; 
1833-1837, Hiram Bostwiek; 1837-1841, George Rath- 
bun; 1841-1845, William C. Beardsley; 1845-1847, 
Amos F. Rathbun; 1847-1849, Michael S. Myers; 1849- 
1855, Ethan A. Warden; 1855-1857, Elmore P. Ross; 
1857-1861, Charles W. Pomeroy; 1861-1869, William 
Allen; 1869-1873, Clinton D. MacDougall; 1873-1877, 
John B. Richardson; 1877-1881, Noah P. Clark; 1881- 
1885, E. D. Woodruff; 1885-1889, WilHam J. Moses; 
1889-1893, John N. Knapp, Mr. Knapp resigned after 
three years service and Larens J. Storke was named to 
fill the vacancy. After the expiration of the unexpired 
term for which he had been appointed, he was appointed 
regularly and served until January, 1899. Paul R. Clark, 
who is now serving his fourth term, was appointed January , 
1899. 

The present post oflSce was erected in 1888. It is a 
handsome Government building and very eligibly situated. 
Immediately prior to 1888, the post office was located on 
Exchange street. 

COURT OF A THOUSAND JUDGES 

It is a bit of interesting history that tells of Cayuga 
County's Court of a Thousand Judges. A court so termed 
and known existed from 1799 until 1847, a period of 
forty -eight years. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 183 

The proposition and the corollary were as follows: 
During these years a County Judge presided at the courts, 
and with him in Court were three associate Judges, or 
"side Judges," as they were often designated. These 
side Judges came from among the lay citizens of the 
county, Justices of the Peace or others who had an ambi- 
tion to occupy a high seat in the tribunal and draw from 
the county two dollars a day therefor. These three 
associate Judges were denominated "ciphers," which 
adequately expressed it, and therefore when arranged 
in the proper decimal place made a 1000 Judges. 

The first Judge of the Court was the Hon. Seth Phelps 
of the town of Ledyard, and the second was the Hon. 
Walter Wood of the same town. Then came the Hon. 
Elijah Miller, of Auburn, and the Hon. Gershom Powers, 
of Auburn, and the fifth and last was the Hon. Joseph 
L. Richardson. The three ciphers at the right were 
often composed of some very odd characters, who pre- 
sented a spectacle bordering on the ridiculous. But they 
were a part of the court, although they served more as 
the "King jesters." They attended every Court and 
sat in a row at the right hand of the Judge, and at the 
end of the term of one or two weeks drew their pay and 
returned to their homes. 



THE OSWEGO STARCH FACTORY 

An industry of great magnitude which had its origin 
in Auburn, yet never was in Auburn, was the Oswego 
Starch Factory, organized in 1848. It had the strong 



184 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

men of the town as its promoters who developed the 
concern into a wonderfully profitable proposition. 

The process of making cornstarch, theretofore, was 
essentially crude, but Thomas Kingsford, who was at 
that time actively connected with a similar institution 
in New Jersey, had developed a new and superior process 
for making cornstarch. He had faith in the successful 
working out of his discovery but he had no money to 
establish a plant for the manufacture of the product. 
In the circumstances he submitted the matter to Nelson 
Beardsley, Dr. Sylvester Willard, Alonzo G. Beardsley, 
and some others in Auburn to whom the proposition ap- 
peared feasible and promising. 

A company was therefore organized having as its 
incorporators and officers the following Auburn citizens: 
Nelson Beardsley, Dr. Sylvester Willard, Alonzo G. Beards- 
ley, Roswell Curtis and Erastus Case. Dr. Willard was 
chosen as president. Nelson Beardsley, vice-president, 
Alonzo G. Beardsley, secretary and treasurer. It was 
deemed best to establish the factory on or near some 
body of water in order to have adequate shipping facilities, 
and so Oswego was chosen as the location — hence the 
title, the Oswego Starch Factory. It became known as 
Kingsford 's Starch Factory, and Kingsford's Starch 
Factory was known the world over, Mr. Kingsford 
meanwhile was in charge of the manufacturing of the 
product. 

Dr. Willard continued as president of the company 
until his death, at which time he was succeeded by Thomp- 
son Kingsford. At the death of Alonzo G. Beardsley, 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 185 

Mr. William C. Beardsley was chosen secretary and 
treasurer and continued in this capacity until the plant 
was absorbed by the Corn Products Company, in 1904. 
Under the original regime the Oswego Starch Factory 
was marvelously successful, earning dividends that en- 
riched its founders. 



THE AUBURN GAS LIGHT COMPANY 

The Auburn Gas Light Company was organized in 
the early part of the year 1850 with a capital of $30,000.00. 
The promoters and organizers were Roland E. Russell, 
Capt. George B. Chase, Benj. F. Hall, Adam Miller, 
William H. Van Tuyle, Thomas Hoadley, J. S. Bowen, 
Albert G. Smith, Thomas Y. How, Jr., T. F. Terrill, 
Andrew Johnson, E. B. Cobb, H. G. Ellsworth, Z. M. 
Mason, Horatio Robinson and Paul D. Cornell. 

At a meeting of the stockholders held after the incor- 
poration of the company, George B. Chase was chosen 
president, Benjamin F. Hall, secretary, and Z. M. Mason, 
treasurer. 

The first gas manufactured in Auburn, however, was 
at the plant of the Auburn Woolen Company, but on 
September 1st, 1850, gas was turned into the mains and 
the city had illumination. The Auburn Gas Light 
Company in 1886 was consolidated with the Electric 
Light Company and in 1911 was purchased by the Empire 
Gas and Electric Company. 



186 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

AUBURN WATER WORKS COMPANY 

The Auburn Water Works Company was chartered in 
April, 1859, with a capital of $100,000. A board of 
directors was then chosen composed of the following 
citizens: William Beach, Theodore Dimon, Benjamin 
F. Hall, George W. Peck, Franklin L. Sheldon, Albert H. 
Goss, William H. Carpenter, John D. Clark, and Paul 
D. Cornell. Yet on account of the lack of money the 
enterprise remained dormant until the spring of 1863. 
By this time sufficient money had been raised to pro- 
ceed with the work of construction. A new set of officers 
was chosen as follows: Edward H. Avery, president; 
Albert H. Goss, secretary and treasurer. The work of 
laying the water mains began early in 1865 and before 
the end of the year water was supplied to residents and 
business places on the principal streets of the city. In 
1894 the city purchased and took over the water company. 



FORT HILL CEMETERY 

Fort Hill Cemetery Association was formed May 15, 
1851. The incorporators were: William C. Beardsley, 
Michael S. Myers, Hugo B. Rathbun, John S. Watrous, 
Josiah N. Starin, George Underwood, Thomas Y. How, Jr., 
and George W. Hatch. There were twelve trustees as 
follows: Enos T. Throop Martin, James C. Derby, 
Nelson Beardsley, Benjamin F. Hall, for one year; Mich- 
ael S. Myers, Gen. John H. Chedell, Isaac S. Allen, and 
Thomas Y. How, Jr., for two years and Cyrus C.Dennis, 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 187 

William C. Beardsley, John W. Haight and Zebina M. 
Mason for three years. 

The land for Fort Hill Cemetery was donated in August, 
1851, by George W. Hatch and Mary Ann, his wife, of 
New York, and Thomas Y. How, Jr., and Sarah his wife, 
of x\uburn. 

The cemetery was formally dedicated on the seventh 
day of July, 1852, at which time the various prominent 
points in the grounds were named, Mount Auburn, the 
High Bluff, Fort Alleghan, etc. :^ 

Although Fort Hill was not formally opened until 
July, 1852, burials had taken place there several months 
prior. The first three burials were Elijah Miller, who 
died November 13, 1851, the second was Mrs. Julia 
Carpenter Graves, who died January 2, 1852, and the 
third was Judge Joseph L. Richardson, who died April 12, 
1853. 

Topographically, Fort Hill is one of the most beautiful 
cemeteries in the country. It occupies ground that 
nature no doubt intended for a park. The cemetery 
is artistically laid out and contains many handsome 
monuments. 

The beautiful chapel at the entrance to Fort Hill was 
the gift of Silos L. Bradley, Esq., and his wife Jane 
Loomis Bradley. It was erected at a cost of about 
$20,000. It adds grace and harmony to the general 
beauty of the cemetery. 

Mr. Bradley was one of the honored citizens of Auburn. 
He became a resident of Auburn in 1837 and was one of 
the successful and respected merchants for many years. 



188 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

He was director and president of the National Bank of 
Auburn, a trustee of the Auburn Savings Bank, also of 
the Orphan Asylum, and for a long time a director in the 
Auburn Water Works Company. Mr. Bradley was one 
of the earnest, helpful and influential members of the 
Second Presbyterian church, but contributed generously 
to other churches and good causes. 

THE AUBURN TRACT-DEPOSITORY ASSOCIATION 

In line with many other movements in welfare work 
and the spread of Christianity there was organized in 
October, 1850, the Auburn Tract-Depository Association. 
Its scope and purpose are set forth in the Society's decla- 
ration as follows: 

"Inasmuch as we regard it highly important for the 
good of the community that the publications of the 
* American Tract Society,' consisting of a large number 
of Evangelical books and tracts adopted to every age 
and to every class of individuals, be circulated and read 
as extensively as possible we agree to form an association 
called 'The Auburn Tract-Depository Association,' 
for the purpose of establishing and sustaining a Depository 
of Books and Tracts of the American Tract society accord- 
ing to the following plan:" 

"The officers of the Association shall consist of a com- 
mittee of five persons to be chosen annually from all the 
religious denominations represented by the stockholders, 
to be called the Committee of Supervisors." 

At the first regular meeting held at the Association 
rooms. No. 3 Genesee street, John Percival was chosen 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 189 

secretary and treasurer. The Association was duly 
incorporated and shares were placed at ten dollars. Ac- 
cording to the by-laws any share holders upon becoming 
dissatisfied could withdraw and receive either par value 
in cash for the stock or an equivalent in books. There 
were a large number of share holders, which indicated the 
interest in the enterprise and the disposition to aid the 
cause. The list contained the names of a large number 
of the most representative citizens of the city. 

The association distributed, not only locally but through- 
out the country. Bibles, tracts and books along religious 
lines. The Association continued for more than thirty 
years, doing meanwhile a notable work in Christian and 
moral uplifts. 

LOUIS KOSSUTH, OF HUNGARY 

Among the many interesting events in the earlier 
years of Auburn's history was that of the visit in May, 
1852, of Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian soldier and 
patriot. 

Governor Kossuth at that time was making a tour of 
the United States incidentally to gain sympathy and 
primarily to solicit money to aid Hungary in its life and 
death struggle for independence. He met with a cordial 
reception in Auburn and cash to the amount of more 
than a thousand dollars was contributed by the citizens. 

A special committee composed of the following named 
citizens was appointed to go to Rochester and accompany 
the distinguished guest and his party to Auburn: Hon. 



190 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

John Porter, Stephen A. Goodwin, David Wright, Hon. 
Samuel R. Blatchford, Thomas Y. How, Jr., James C. 
Derby, Charles Carpenter, Clarence A. Seward, Charles 
N. Tuttle, Larnard C. Mann and David C. Wallace. 
The visiting party was escorted to Auburn in a private 
car. There were the Governor and Madame Kossuth, 
Francis Palskzy and Madame Palskzy and Governor 
Kossuth's suite. They arrived in Auburn on Saturday 
the 29th day of May. 

p There was a notable demonstration. The city every- 
where was decorated with Hungarian flags and banners 
of various kinds to add to the attraction of the occasion. 
Gen. Jesse Segoine was the marshal and the escort com- 
prised the Weedsport and the Auburn Guards, members 
of the City Common Council and the committee. They 
were met at the station by carriages in which they were 
all conveyed to the center of town, Madams Kossuth and 
Palskzy being taken to the home of Secretary Seward 
and^the others were quartered at the American Hotel. 
The Kossuth Cadets, a boys' military organization formed 
about that time by Gen. William H. Seward, then a boy 
of twelve, occupied a conspicuous position in the demon- 
stration. 

Hon. Benjamin F. Hall delivered the address of wel- 
come at the American Hotel and in the afternoon Governor 
Kossuth delivered an address at the Second Presbyterian 
Church. The party remained in Auburn until Sunday 
night. Governor Kossuth left Auburn bearing the 
generous sympathy of the citizens and a purse of cash. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 191 

ERASTUS CASE 

Erastus Case, one of the distinguished residents of 
Auburn, was born and grew to maturity in New England. 
The family was of English descent and in the family of 
Elish Case, his father, there were six sons all of whom 
became active and prominent in various lines of endeavor. 

Erastus Case became a resident of Auburn in 1843, 
purchasing at that time the residence on Washington 
street known as the Dr. Willard residence. He was then 
past middle life and actively identified with many large 
concerns and enterprises which had been successful to 
the point of great wealth making. From 1843 to the 
time of his death in 1857 he was one of the conspicuous 
captains of industry in the western part of the state. 
He had large interests in Chicago and also in some of the 
trunk line railroads. 

Mr. Case married in Connecticut, Mary, daughter of 
Col. Theodore Pittibone. They had two children, 
Theodore P. and Jane F. Case. The daughter married 
Dr. Sylvester Willard of Auburn. Mrs. Case died in 
Auburn, February 15, 1870. 

THEODORE P. CASE 

Theodore P. Case was the only son of Erastus Case. He 
lived most of his life in Auburn. He never was active 
in business affairs. He was a student, a scholar, a lover 
of the classics and the world of literature. These and 
cognate things had his heart and interest. 

However, many worthy causes and institutions in 
Auburn were beneficiaries of his generosity. The Case 



192 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Memorial Hall at the Auburn Theological Seminary 
besides munificent gifts of money, and gifts to the First 
Presbyterian church and other institutions. He was 
generous without ostentation, a good friend and a good 
citizen. 

ADAM MILLER 

Adam Miller was born in the town of Sennett, February 
11, 1814. In 1839 he became a contractor in the cooper- 
age department at the prison. The firm was then Miller 
& Taylor. They did a large business in this line. Mr. 
Miller was also engaged in the malting business. The 
firm of Miller & Kennedy had malt houses at Weedsport, 
Cleveland and Buffalo. The business was extensive 
and the firm made money for many years. 

When the Southern Central railroad was projected 
Mr. Miller was one of the active spirits in promoting the 
enterprises and was a stockholder in the Company. He 
was also a director in the old First National Bank of 
Auburn. 

In addition to his business connections, Mr. Miller 
was keenly interested in public affairs and worked earnest- 
ly for the success of the Republican party candidates. 
He served for several terms on the board of supervisors. 
Mr. Miller died in Auburn, October 31, 1879. 

LYMAN SOULE 

The early life of Lyman Soule, although it had many 
parallels in pioneer days, is an interesting one. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 193 

Mr. Soule was one in a family of thirteen children. 
He was born in 1794. The family then lived in Saratoga 
County, N. Y. Lyman was the favorite among the 
children. In 1806, or when he was twelve years of age, 
the family migrated to Cayuga County taking all their 
goods and chattels consisting of a rack full of household 
goods, an ox team and two or three cows. Lyman, 
barefooted and alone drove the cows through the woods 
while the father drove the oxen and cared for the other 
children. They settled a little distance out of Auburn 
while Lyman in summer worked the best he could on the 
farm. In winter, a little later, he walked to Auburn to 
school. This went on until he was fifteen, at which time 
he left the home and went to Sennett to work in a tannery. 
He was industrious and faithful with the result that his 
wages were increased from time to time until by frugality 
he had saved a small sum of money. He then went on 
foot to a town near Rochester where he was employed in 
another tannery for two years. At the end of this time 
he returned to Sennett and purchased an interest in the 
tannery in which he was first engaged. This was the 
foundation of the fortune which he accumulated. In all 
things Mr. Soule was prudent and conservative, yet he 
was not miserly. By his thrift and foresight he made 
money and did much good with it. 

In his adopted town of Sennett Mr. Soule was honored 
with all the oflSces the town could bestow. Afterwards 
he moved to Auburn and became identified in many 
business institutions. He was a stockholder and director 
in the Cayuga County National Bank, also the old First 



194 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

National and the National Exchange Banks. Besides 
he owned a vast amount of real estate in the city upon 
which he cleared a large profit. In 1877 he donated the 
land for Pine Ridge Cemetery, known as Soule's Cemetery, 
located east of the city. Mr. Soule was remembered for 
his many generous gifts to various good causes and for his 
activity in building up and enhancing the realty value of 
Auburn. 

HORACE V. ROWLAND 

Horace V. Rowland was born in Foster, Providence 
County, Rhode Island, March 8, 1820. In 1847 he located 
in Auburn and began reading law in the office of Seward, 
Blatchford & Morgan. Upon being admitted to the bar 
in 1849, he began practise at Port Byron. He gained 
considerable prominence in his profession. He was a 
delegate to the constitutional convention in 1873 when 
the State constitution was revised. 

In 1880 Mr. Howland moved to Auburn and formed a 
co-partnership with E. O. Wheeler, which continued 
until Mr. Wheeler's death. Subsequent to this Mr. 
Howland was associated with Frank D. Wright, Esq., 
in the practise of the law. This partnership continued 
until Mr. Rowland's death in 1894. 

Mr. Howland was regarded as one of the leaders of the 
Cayuga County bar, a man of sterling character and a 
worthy citizen. 

EMEROUS D. CLAPP 

Emerous D. Clapp, who established and built up one 
of the successful industries of Auburn, was born in the 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 195 

town of Ira, Cayuga County, in 1829. His father, O. P. 
Clapp, moved from the town of Throop in 1820 and set- 
tled on land which had come to him from the Govern- 
ment in consideration of his military services in the war 
of 1812. His mother was Lucy Tilden, born at Bath, 
Windsor County, Vermont. 

Mr. Clapp spent his early boyhood on the home farm 
and attended the country school. Later he went to 
Falley Seminary at Fulton, N. Y. At the age of sixteen 
he taught school in his native town. He early married 
Miss Sarah Van Patten, a resident of that community. 

Soon thereafter Mr. Clapp moved to Ira and erected a 
shop for the making of farm wagons and other vehicles. 
Here he built up quite an industry, employing several 
men. Finally, for the lack of necessary capital to carry 
on the greater business which he planned, Mr. Clapp 
leased his shop and engaged for a time in another line of 
business. In this he made money, which enabled him to 
move to Auburn in 1856 and engage in the livery business. 
In 1864 he procured a patent on a thill coupling device, 
and three years later he began the manufacture of this 
article. 

For a time Mr. Clapp had a shop on old Mechanic 
street near the Outlet. The sale soon spread throughout 
the country and a larger and better equipped factory 
was demanded. Drop forgings for carriages were also 
made, which added strength and scope to the business. 
Meanwhile M. F. Van Patten an expert workman became 
associated with Mr. Clapp and they continued together 
for a long period of years. The business grew rapidly 



196 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

so that the factory built on Water street in 1869 became 
too small and larger quarters were needed. The firm 
was then Clapp & Fitch. Mr. Fitch, however, retired 
in 1873 and a new company known as the E. D. Clapp & 
Co., was then formed. In 1874 a factory was erected at 
the corner of Genesee and Division street, to accommodate 
the greater business and in 1876 the E. D. Clapp Manu- 
facturing Company was organized with a capital of 
$150,000. Now the E. D. Clapp Company manufactures 
hardware specialties and is one of the strong and success- 
ful industries of the city. 

Mr. E. D. Clapp had three children, two daughters and 
one son D. E. Clapp now the head of the Company. 
Mr. E. D. Clapp died in 1889. 

HON. BENJAMIN F. HALL 

Hon. Benj. F. Hall was born in the town of Whitehall, 
Washington County, N. Y., July 23, 1814. He settled 
in Auburn in 1835 when he was twenty-one years of age. 
He had already nearly completed his law reading and 
upon becoming a resident of Auburn, he entered the law 
office of Judge Elijah Miller, and a little later was with 
Seward & Beardsley. In 1837 Mr. Hall was admitted 
to practise and in the following year became a partner in 
the law firm of Porter, Beardsley and Hall. This partner- 
ship continued until 1841, when Mr. Hall withdrew and 
entered into partnership with John P. Hurlbert, Esq., 
and remained with him until 1846. At this time the 
partnership was dissolved, Mr. Hall desiring to carry on 




HON. BENJAMIN F. HALL 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 197 

the practise alone, which he did until March 1861. At 
this time he was appointed by the Government as Chief 
Justice of the Supreme Court of Colorado. He served 
in this capacity four years, during which time he laid the 
foundation for a systematic and enlightened judiciary. 
His services were highly regarded and received the most 
cordial commendation of both the Government and the 
bar of Colorado. 

As early as 1844 Mr. Hall was elected to the State 
Lgislature and while there his ability as an orator and 
legislator were recognized. He was chosen Mayor of 
Auburn in 1852 and made a good Mayor. When Louis 
Kossuth, of Hungary, visited Auburn in 1852, Mr. Hall 
was chosen to deliver the address of welcome. This was 
a memorable occasion of which Mr. Hall was one of the 
most striking figures. 

After his return from Colorado, Mr. Hall was tendered 
several important posts in the diplomatic service, but he 
declined. Later, however, he accepted the position of 
superintendent of commercial statistics under Secretary 
William H. Seward. In addition to all these, Mr. Hall 
was a journalist of high ability. He was at various times 
editor of different newspapers in Auburn and in this line 
he evinced much literary talent along with executive 
ability. He died in Auburn, September 6, 1891. 

HON. CHRISTOPHER MORGAN 

Hon. Christopher Morgan, one of the distinguished 
citizens of Auburn and Cayuga County, came from a 
distinguished family. The Morgans were in the fore- 



198 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

front of everything that made for progress, for the ad- 
vancement of civihzation and good citizenship. By their 
lives and acts they left upon Cayuga County a beneficial 
and lasting impress. 

Hon. Christopher Morgan was born at Aurora, June 4, 
1808. He received his preparatory education at the 
local school and entered Yale College in 1826, graduating 
in 1830. Upon completing his college course, Mr. 
Morgan elected the law as his profession, and therefore 
became a law student in the ofiice of Seneca Wood of 
Aurora, and a little later entered the law office of Miller & 
Seward in Auburn. After being admitted, Mr. Morgan 
returned to Aurora, and became a partner of Ebenezer 
W. Arms. They practised together until 1839, at which 
time Mr. Morgan was elected to Congress, and in 1841 
was reelected. He was an able and influential member of 
the House, taking an active part in the session which 
enacted the bankrupt, tariff, and land distribution laws. 
He was popular and commanded the respect of his asso- 
ciates. After the expiration of his second term in Con- 
gress Mr. Morgan formed a partnership with the Hon. 
Samuel Blatchford in Auburn, which thereafter was his 
residence. 

From 1848 to 1852 Mr. Morgan served as Secretary 
of State, and discharged his duties while in Albany with 
the same degree of intelligence and fidelity that dis- 
tinguished his career at Washington. In 1860 Mr. 
Morgan was elected Mayor of Auburn, and was for many 
years and up to his death, a trustee of the Asylum at 
Utica, N. Y. Mr. Morgan was a man of broad mind, a 
good heart and a high sense of honor and citizenship. 




HON. CHRISTOPHER MORGAN 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 199 

In 1832 Mr. Morgan married Miss Mary Elizabeth 
Pittney, daughter of Dr. Joseph L. Pittney. They had 
three daughters, the eldest of whom, Cornelia Louise 
married Mr. C. Eugene Barber of Auburn, the second, 
Mary Elizabeth married Mr. William C. Barber and 
Miss Frances Adelaide became the wife of William Bealby 
Brown. She is the only surviving child. 

In the Christopher Morgan home on Genesee street 
many people of note were entertained at various times. 
Such personages as President Millard Filmore, Governor 
Horatio Seymour, Governor Morgan, Henry Clay, and 
Daniel Webster, Jenny Lind, Charlotte Cushman and 
divers others. Mr. Morgan died in Auburn, 1888. 

PARLIMENT BRONSON 

Parliment Bronson was a native of Vernon, N. Y. He 
located in Auburn about 1825, and began the practise of 
the law. For a long time he w^as a partner of Richard L. 
Smith, Esq., the firm name being Bronson & Smith. Mr. 
Bronson was a brilliant and well educated lawyer and in 
association with Mr. Smith enjoyed great distinction and 
a large practise. Mr. Bronson married a daughter of 
Robert Dill, one of the early and prominent citizens. He 
died June 20, 1857. 

FIRST PUBLIC HACK 

The first public hack in Auburn having four wheels 
was owned by Mr. Markham who built the first public 
hall. It was an odd looking vehicle with entrance at the 



200 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

rear and steps leading up to the door. It was the only- 
one in the young city and consequently was much in 
demand. Phillip Welch was in charge of this conveyance 
and was very proud of the appearance it made on the 
street. Welch was as popular as was the hack he drove 
and both were a feature of the town life for a long time. 

THE AUBURN GARDEN 

In the early fifties and for several succeeding years there 
was a public garden on the south side of Dill street and in 
the rear of the present stores of Mosher, Griswold & Co. 
There was an entrance to this garden also through the 
restaurant and store of Monsieur Leonard, for at that 
time he occupied a store on Genesee street, the rear of 
which looked out upon the garden. Monsieur Leonard 
was an interesting character, a testy little Frenchman 
with many quips and quirks in his nature. Yet he was 
popular and conducted a good restaurant and attracted 
the best people of the town. For a long time it was 
Bemius & Leonard. 

But the garden at the rear of their store was a gala 
place in summer. The Auburn Garden had a place in 
the public mind and eye. Many shows of one kind or 
another exhibited from time to time. Barnum's and 
Dan Rice's shows, in the days when they were small, 
held forth in the garden, and fire works, balloon ascensions 
and many aggregations of various kinds occupied the 
ground and attracted a crowd. It was a popular place 
for quite a period of time. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 201 

Besides this there was in those years the museum up- 
stairs in Gen. Chedell's building, the building now occupied 
by the J. W. Rice Company's stores. This Museum 
was a veritable curiosity shop, and the wax works shown 
were as wonderful as were Mrs. Jarley's wax works. 
The Museum occupied a part of two floors in the building, 
and a small charge was laid for the privilege of viewing 
the collection. As far back as 1815, however, wax figures 
were exhibited in Glover & Bostwick's tavern. The 
charge for admission to this was six pence. 

The first public hall in Auburn was that in the Chedell 
building and there was a hall in the Columbian block 
on North street. A little later Mr. Markham erected a 
building on North street between the present Burt is 
Grand and the Outlet. In this building was Markham 
hall. Then came Stawford hall, which later was changed 
to Corning hall. The fourth was the Burtis Opera House. 
All of these were on North street with the exception of 
that in the Chedell building. 

Along in these years a Mr. Bundy, or "Old Man 
Bundy" as he was sometimes called, conducted a spelling 
school in a room over a store on Genesee street east of 
North street. 

Many young people attended Mr. Bundy *s spelling 
school, not always for what could be learned, but oftener 
for the enjoyment extracted from the occasion. Mr. 
Bundy had long hair and wore spectacles that were always 
perilously close to the end of his nose. He would hold 
a candle in one hand and a Cobb's Spelling Book in the 
other, from which he pronounced the words in a shrill 



202 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

voice that penetrated the atmosphere outside. Bundy's 
spelHng school was an institution in which no Httle amount 
of interest centered. 

Judge Leland in his day was a devoted member of the 
Second Presbyterian Church and took unctuous pride in 
punctually attending every morning service. Judge 
Leland lived on Grover street. He was a stout, rotund 
figure with a very large head from which nearly every 
sprout of hair had departed. He always carried a large 
bandana handkerchief and when he arrived at the church 
of a Sunday morning, he would tie a knot in each corner 
of his handkerchief and thus make a hood to cover his 
bald head so that he could sleep unpestered by the flies 
during the service. Judge Leland with his red bandana 
hood came to be a recognized feature of the morning 
service. 

PROFESSOR POPPLE 

A character who was much in the public local eye in the 
forties and fifties was Professor Popple. Mentally, 
Professor Popple was not a great force, but physically he 
was much in evidence. He was the butt of many practical 
jokes and the scape-goat in many unseemly pranks on the 
part of others. 

In the early years of the steam railroad in Auburn the 
passenger station was located on East Genesee street at 
the head of Garden street, where Schreck Brothers' furn- 
iture store is at present. The trains then went from the 
main line up Garden street to this station. After this 
was abandoned as a station the building was used for 







^'.^■,j[^^, :.- i 




" 


'KJHH 


?..y 






-;.■ ;'i ^ 


1,"^^ ->^i 


Oi :C» 


^ .■ ■ i»- 


£^ ^ 



v 







iSJill 



I L_l!l ^CH-^Li. 






HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 203 

various purposes. Sometimes a small menagerie was 
housed there for the winter. Prof. Popple occasionally 
had charge of the animals. Once some of the animals 
broke away and Prof. Popple on horseback started in 
pursuit of them. Among them was a very bellicose 
wild buffalo, which was a particular terror to the Pro- 
fessor. For a time it was a question which would be 
corralled first, but finally with the aid of others, the animals 
were again safely housed, Prof. Popple taking to himself 
all the credit for the capture. 

Prof. Popple also kept the pound which was then on 
Mechanic, now Osborne street. East of this was an 
open country and much of it pasture land. Cattle were 
not permitted to roam the streets under penalty of a fine, 
and for all cases in violation of the law Prof. Popple 
received a per capita sum for detaining them in his pound. 
This was a source of easy income for Prof. Popple, and 
it is said that he was not averse sometimes to using undue 
influence to get the cattle within his zone of authority. 
It was mostly by reasons of such acts that Prof. Popple 
left his mark on the community. 

ALVAH RUDE THE CHARACTER 

Probably the most distinguished all-around odd charac- 
ter in or about Auburn was Alvah Rude. 

Rude possessed characteristics that placed him in a 
class by himself. He was a compound of many contradic- 
tory qualities. He was educated, he was a fool, yet he 
was very wise in some respects. He had many traits of 



204 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

a vagabond, yet he was not a first-class tramp, although 
he spent most of his life as a tramp. 

Alvah Rude had good parentage, and relations not 
without means. They aided him with money and no 
doubt tried to keep him in balance, but the kink in his 
mind made him what he was, a unique character. Rude 
lived in Auburn a great part of the time, although he 
traveled the country over. Like most others of his class. 
Rude never paid railroad fare, he got passage in some way 
and left it to the railroad to collect the fare if it could. 
Once, it is said, he was in Indianapolis and was intent 
on catching a train out, when a railroad man halted him, 
whereupon Rude very courteously inquired, "In which 
direction is this train bound .f^" The trainman replied, 
*West" to which Rude replied,* 'T beg your pardon, I 
want to go east." 

Rude was a ready speaker upon many subjects. He 
took pleasure in haranguing a crowd on politics or temper- 
ance. At a Fourth of July celebration, held near Auburn 
one year. Rude was present and when the stated orator 
of the occasion began to speak. Rude climbed to the 
branches of a tree nearby and started a rival oration. He 
attracted most of the crowd and something had therefore 
to be done to preserve the dignity and order of the occasion. 
In this emergency the Rev. William Searles approached 
Rude with the information that he had been chosen vice- 
president of the Committe of Arrangements and that a 
place was awaiting him on the platform. Rude graciously 
accepted with thanks and took a place upon the plat- 
form. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 205 

When Governor Louis Kossuth was in Auburn in May, 
1852, he was driven to the Second Presbyterian church in 
a carriage drawn by four white horses and as Gov. Kossuth 
ahghted from the carriage. Rude stepped in and closed 
the door. The driver unaware of this, drove back 
through the streets while Rude bowed and raised his hat 
to the throng along the way. Rude was a frequent guest 
at the Western Exchange and the American Hotel in the 
city. He was often kicked or turned out but this never 
deterred him from returning. 

Rude in his later years became uncouth and unkempt. 
He wore long hair and bushy, long whiskers. He drove 
a horse and sulky, both of which were too decrepit to 
stand alone, but he derived pleasure from this old one- 
horse shay, which was presented to him by some ac- 
quaintance. 

Yet with his many quirks and idiosyncrasies Alvah 
Rude had some pride and was in some degree a gentle- 
man. He finally passed and in spite of his worthlessness, 
Rude was missed in the community. 

John Ford was another queer character. He was a 
morbid, silent fellow. He slept over Walley's drug store 
for several years. He usually went hatless and always 
went barefooted. Ford mingled very little with the world 
and kept his own counsels. 



CHAPTER IX 

Auburn's place in the civil war 

|N the preceding pages of this work the 
j mihtary organizations and the miHtary 
1] zeal in Auburn have received merited 
! mention. On account of the very con- 
spicuous manifestations in this particular 
line of assiduity they form an interesting part of the 
history; and whatever honor was won in the earlier 
years, it was added to and made still more illustrious 
during the Civil War. The record of the volunteers 
and the number of organized bodies of troops that went 
forth from Auburn in this war are almost without a 
parallel in any section of equal population. Moreover, 
the galaxy of leaders who went to the front and won 
commanding positions is also an interesting clause in 
the story. There are only two of the latter now living, 
the two most distinguished, therefore, this history would 
be incomplete without giving them proper place. 

A considerable time before the first call for volunteers 
was issued, and several months before Fort Sumter 
was attacked, there was military activity in Auburn 
in anticipation of the event. In the early part of Novem- 
ber, 1860, Terence J. Kennedy had enlisted at his personal 
expense one hundred and seventy-five men and was 
drilling them in the streets and in an open field adjacent 
to the citv. Furthermore, it has been asserted on valid 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 207 

authority that Colonel Kennedy was the first man to 
enroll as a soldier early in November of that year, a 
circumstance which surely would entitle him to a place 
in the Hall of Fame. 

The Civil War period is now far in the past and the 
cause for which the war was waged being practically 
out of mind, it is not intrinsically worth while to dwell 
here on the minor details of the early local movements 
in connection therewith, but rather to put down the 
record and achievements of the various organizations 
that went out, together with the notable career of some 
of their leaders. 

Including the Cowan Battery, there were six regiments 
sent from Auburn. They were recruited in the military 
district which, of course, was composed of several counties. 
Captain Kennedy's company was mustered into service 
on the 22d day of May 1861, being a part of the Nine- 
teenth Regiment New York Volunteers. The Regiment 
was composed of ten companies, John T. Baker was 
captain of Company A., Terence J. Kennedy, Company 
B., James E. Ashcroft, Company C, Owen Gavigan, 
Company D., Theodore H. Schenck, Company E., 
Nelson T. Stephens, Company F., Charles H. Stewart, 
Company G., Solomon Giles, Company H., John H. Am- 
mon. Company I. and James R. Angel, captain of Com- 
pany K. 

John S. Clark was the Colonel; Clarence A. Seward, 
Lieutenant-Colonel; James H. Ledly, Major; Henry M. 
Stone, Adjutant; Theodore Dimon, Surgeon. This 
regiment first went into camp at Elmira. As attesting 



208 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

the interest and patriotic feeling of the Auburn people, 
the Nineteenth Regiment while in camp received from 
ladies of Auburn a handsome regimeni al flag. 

The Nineteenth Regiment, a few months after leaving 
Auburn, was reorganized and became the Third Light 
Artillery. In February and March, 1862, nearly one 
hundred recruits under Lieutenants Boyle and Kirby 
went out to join the Third Artillery in order to bring the 
regiment up to the full quota. 

The enlistment and organization of the Seventy-fifth 
Regiment of New York Volunteers followed soon after 
the Nineteenth, or Third Artillery. There were nine 
hundred men mustered in. The Regiment left Auburn 
November 30, 1861, for New York on the way to the field 
of action. 

r The Colonel of this Regiment was John A. Dodge; 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert B. Merritt; Major, Willough- 
by D. Babcock; Adjutant, E. B. Lansing; Surgeon, 
Michael D. Benedict; Quartermaster, Lewis E. Carpenter; 
Chaplain, Thomas B. Hudson. 

The Regiment was composed of nine companies and 
the captains were as follows: Company A., Clinton D. 
MacDougall; Company B., Truman K. Tuller; Company 
C, William H. Gray; Company D., Charles C. Dwight; 
Company E., Luther Goodrich; Company F., Henry 
Bates Fitch; Company G., John E. Savery; Company H., 
John Choate; Company I., Lansing Porter. 

The city was at this time filled with recruiting stations 
and many public meetings were being held, at which the 
leading citizens were discussing ways and means of aiding 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 209 

the cause. The Seventy -fifth Regiment was assigned 
to duty in the Department of the South. 

During this time Captain Kennedy's Independent 
Battery was raised, one hundred and twenty -five men 
being enHsted in sixty days. This organization went out 
as Kennedy's First Light Battery, New York State 
Volunteers. It was mustered into service November 23, 
1861, under a three years' service enHstment. The 
officers of the Battery were: Captain T. J. Kennedy and 
First Lieutenant Andrew Cowan; Second Lieutenant, 
Wm. P. Wright. The Battery left Auburn December 2d, 
1861. 

Immediately after this the One Hundred and Eleventh 
Volunteer Infantry Regiment was raised. It was com- 
posed of more than eighteen hundred men, including 
recruits afterwards assigned. The officers were: Colonel, 
Jesse Segoine; Lieutenant-Colonel Clinton D. Mac- 
Dougall; Major, Seneca B. Smith; Surgeon, William 
Vosburg; Assistant Surgeon, James D. Benton; Second 
Assistant Surgeon, D. S. Hopkins; Adjutant, Henry H. 
Segoine; Sergeant Major, Irving Jacques; Quarter- 
master Sergeant, Fred M. Coffin; Commissary Sergeant 
Jerome M. Lattin. 

The One Hundred and Eleventh went to the front in 
response to the call for more troops in July, 1862. Cap- 
tain MacDougall, who was formerly with the Seventy- 
fifth, had now become Lieutenant-Colonel of this regi- 
ment. Colonel Segoine, on account of age and ill health 
soon resigned and Lieutenant-Colonel MacDougall was 
placed in command. The regiment was recruited in the 



210 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Counties of Wayne and Cayuga during July, 1862. Com- 
panies A, B, D and E were from Wayne County, Com- 
panies C, F, G, H, I and K being from Cayuga. It was 
mustered into the United States Service August 20, 1862, 
leaving for the front August 21st. It reported to General 
Wool in Baltimore and was assigned to the command of 
Colonel Dixon S. Miles at Harpers Ferry, where it was 
included in the surrender of that place, September 15, 
1862, with about 10,000 other troops they were sent to 
Camp Douglass, Chicago. Here they remained until 
exchanged late in November, 1862. They were then 
transferred to Casey's Division of the 22d Army Corps, 
and did duty at Hunting Creek, Fairfax Seminary, and 
Centreville, Virginia, until June 25, 1863, when they 
were assigned to the 3d Division 2d Corps, taking part in 
the battle of Gettysburg, where the regiment lost 71 per 
cent of all the men engaged, in killed and wounded. 
From June 25th, to the reorganization of the army in the 
winter of 1863-4, they were part of General Alexander 
Hay*s 3d Division. They were then transferred to the 
First Division, Second Corps, then commanded by 
General Francis C. Barlow, and afterwards by General 
Nelson A. Miles, and finally by General CD. MacDougall. 
After the reorganization of the army that winter, the 
Regiment took part in every battle of the 2d Corps of the 
Army of the Potomac and was on the front line at Appo- 
mattox, and the flag of truce went through the 111th 
lines to demand the enemy's surrender. The total 
enlistments were as follows: Enlisted men 1730, oiOficers 
75, total 1,805. The casualties, during service were as 




GEN. CLINTON D. MACDOUGALL 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 211 

follows: Enlisted men killed 394, officers 12, total 406, 
wounded enlisted men 531, officers 26, total 557, or fifty- 
three and one-third per cent of the whole number. Colonel 
Fox's history names the 111th as one of the 300 fighting 
Regiments of the War. 

The One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment was 
at once recruited in Cayuga and Wayne Counties. The 
138th had about thirty-two hundred men, thus being the 
largest regiment numerically that went out of Auburn. 

The Field and Staff officers of the regiment were as 
follows: Colonel, Joseph Welling; Lieutenant-Colonel, 
WilHam H. Seward, Jr.; Major, Edward P. Taft; Ad- 
jutant, William R. Wasson; Sergeant Major, Lyman C. 
Comstock; Quartermaster, Henry P. Knowles. This 
regiment afterwards became the Ninth New York Heavy 
Artillery. It left Auburn September 12, 1862 and pro- 
ceeded to W^ashington where it formed with General 
Haskin's Division of the Twenty-Second Army Corps 
and aided in the defense of the Capital. The regiment, 
however, saw much active service and participated in 
several battles. It was engaged in the fight about Cold 
Harbor which continued from June first to the eleventh 
and received from General Ricketts and General Mead 
unstinted commendation for the successful part it took 
in the engagements. From Cold Harbor the Sixth Corps, 
of which the Ninth Heavy Artillery was then a part, 
went to Petersburg and there again the regiment did 
valiant service, also at the battle of Monocracy. 

In May, 1863, Gen. Joseph W^elling resigned the com- 
mand of the regiment and Lieutenant-Colonel William H. 



212 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Seward, Jr., succeeded him, and from that time on he was 
in command. Colonel Seward was a tactful commander, 
a gallant leader and popular among his men. 

The One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment New York 
Volunteers was recruited in the fall of 1862. Captain 
Charles C. D wight who went out with the 75 th Regiment 
returned home from New Orleans and accepted the 
Colonelcy of the regiment, which was raised in the Auburn 
Military district. It left for the front in November. 
The Field and Staff Officers of the regiment were: Colonel, 
Charles C. Dwight; Lieutenant-Colonel, John B. Van 
Patten; Major, William Sentell; Adjutant, Garton W. 
Allen; Surgeon, Cyrus Powers; Assistant Surgeon, 
David H. Armstrong; Chaplain, William H. Puttman; 
Quartermaster, Dighton H. Wirans. 

The One Hundred and Sixtieth went to the Depart- 
ment of the Gulf and was assigned to the same brigade 
and division as the 75th, and served beside that regiment 
until the close of the war, having seen very severe ser- 
vice in the Red River and Port Hudson campaigns. 

The One Hundred and Ninety-third Regiment was re- 
cruited in the spring of 1865 by Captain JohnN.Knapp, 
Captain Knapp had been provost marshal and resigned 
to assist in raising the regiment. The officers of the 193d 
were as follows: Colonel, J. B. Van Patten; Lieutenant- 
Colonel, John C. Gilmore; Major, Alfred Morton; 
Adjutant, Thurlow B. Wasson; Quartermaster, Charles 
H. Bailey; Surgeon, David H. Armstrong; Chaplain, W. 
D. Chase. 

The regiment barely got into the field, however, before 
peace was declared yet it completed a most remarkable 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 213 

record of recruits from Auburn and the military district 
of which it was the center. 



GEN. CLINTON D. MAC DOUGALL 

Long service in the war of the Rebelhon tended to 
develop and bring out the metal and military qualities 
of both the commanders and the soldiers, and the fighting 
and staying qualities of the troops were in great part due 
to the discipline and influence of their superior officers. 
It was in this one regard as much as any other that 
General MacDougall achieved success and won high 
repute as commander. He was not only a good dis- 
ciplinarian, but his judgment of affairs and events was 
quick and accurate. This was a valuable asset which 
often accrued to his advantage in times when much 
depended upon sagacious and wise action. On account 
of these qualities Gen. Mac Dougall's counsel was many 
times sought by both officers and commanders. 

In May, 1861, Gen. MacDougall enlisted in the 75th 
Regiment and was named first Captain in the regiment, 
Captain of Company A. During the succeeding year 
he was in active service and won many commendations 
for bravery and efficiency. In May, 1862, while returning 
to camp from a scouting trip, he was badly wounded by 
a shot from a Union picket under the impression that 
Gen. MacDougall was a rebel. This completed cessation 
from duty for a while, during which time he returned to 
his home to recuperate. It was during this period that 
he became active in raising the One Hundred and Eleventh 



214 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Regiment. When the regiment was finally recruited 
Gen. MacDougall was tendered the Colonelcy, but 
declined in favor of an older man, as he was then only 
twenty-three. He, however, accepted the Lieutenant 
Colonelcy and went out with his regiment, which became 
a part of the Twenty-Second Army Corps. One year 
later the regiment was transferred to the Second Army 
Corps and became a part of General Hay's Division in 
Hancock's Corps. 

Early in January, 1863, Lieutenant-Colonel MacDougall 
was made Colonel of the 111th and was its commanding 
officer from that time until the close of the war. During 
the historic three days battle at Gettysburg, Col. Mac- 
Dougall with the 111th bore the brunt of much of the 
hardest fighting, and they performed so bravely and so 
effectively, that General Hancock in his report to the 
War Department made special mention of the regiment 
and its commander. When Colonels Willard and Sherrill 
fell in this battle. Col. MacDougall was called to the 
command of the Third Brigade, Third Division Second 
Army Corps. When the reorganization of the Third 
army took place after this event, Col. MacDougall was 
placed in command of the Third Brigade, First Division 
of the Second Army Corps. Throughout the long strug- 
gle he was in the forefront of activity. Six horses at 
various times were shot under him and in four different 
battles he received wounds, at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. 
at Bristow, Virginia October 14, 1863, at Petersburg, 
June 22, 1864, and at Sutherland's Station, April 2, 1865. 
From January 3, 1863, to June 25th following, Col. Mac- 




GEN. WILLIAM H. SEWARD 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 215 

Dougall commanded the post at Centreville, Virginia. 
In February, 1865, he was bre vetted Brigade General. 
In June of the same year the Government tendered him 
a Lieutenant-Colonelcy in the regular army which he 
declined. His career as a soldier and oflScer was dis- 
tinguished for bravery, efficiency and unerring judgment. 

From the close of the war almost up to the present 
date, General MacDougall has been in the public eye 
because of the part he has taken in public affairs. Yet 
he has declined more offices than he has accepted, although 
he has filled many important posts. In 1869 he was 
appointed postmaster of Auburn and served until 1873. 

In 1872 he was elected to Congress and re-elected in 
1874, in which service he distinguished himself again 
for ability and good statesmanship. It was during his 
last term in Congress that the first movement toward 
securing a new government building in Auburn began. 
General MacDougall secured the first appropriation to 
cover cost of plans and specifications for the desired post- 
office. 

In 1876 Gen. MacDougall was tendered the United 
States Treasurership but declined the office, also that 
of Commissioner of Internal Revenue. In the same year 
he also declined the office of Commissioner of Patents. 
The following year, however, he was made Marshal of 
the Northern District of New York. When R. B. Hayes 
became president he tendered to Gen. MacDougall the 
consul-generalship of either Great Britain or France, also 
the consulate at Cairo, all of which were declined. He, 
however, served four years as marshal at that time and 



216 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

was reappointed by President Garfield. In 1901 he was 
appointed again to the same office, the first appointment 
coming from President McKinley and the second from 
President Roosevelt. 

Gen. MacDougall was for many years vice-president 
of the board of trustees of the New York Soldiers' Home 
at Bath, N. Y., and later was elected president, a position 
he still holds. He was born at Glasgow, Scotland, June 
14, 1839. He came to Auburn when a boy and received 
his education in the Jordan Academy. For ten years 
from 1860 he was associated with William H. Seward, Jr., 
in the banking business. 

GENERAL WILLIAM H. SEWARD 

General William H. Seward is distinguished not only as 
a military leader and valiant soldier but also as a citizen, 
a business man, a factor in public affairs, and a force in 
all things that make for the advancement of right stand- 
ards of citizenship. He was born in Auburn, June 18, 
1839 and from early manhood has been active, interested 
and influential in a marked degree. 

General Seward was the son of Secretary William H. 
and Frances Miller Seward whose lives and works were 
inseparably a part of Auburn. At the age of twenty-one 
William H. Seward, Jr., established the banking house of 
William H. Seward, Jr. & Company, his partner being 
then Clinton D. MacDougall. The banking house has 
continued to the present without a blemish or a question 
in regard to its stability or the business integrity of its 
founder and head. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 217 

The bank, however, had been started but Uttle more 
than a year when the War of the RebeUion came on and 
Mr. Seward, like his partner, answered to the call for 
volunteers. He devoted time and energy to the raising 
of troops and the forming of the military organizations 
that went out of Auburn. Early in 1862 Mr. Seward 
was appointed one of the war committee of his congres- 
sional district, of which committee he was secretary. He, 
in August, 1862, went as Lieutenant-Colonel in the 138th 
Regiment, afterwards the Ninth Heavy Artillery, leaving 
his business interests in charge of others. In September 
following his regiment was assigned to duty in Haskin's 
Division, Twenty-second Armj^ Corps, then acting in the 
defense of the National Capital. There, under the direc- 
tions of the army engineers, Lieutenant-Colonel Seward 
was active in the construction of the fortification along 
the Potomac, Fort Foote and many others. In the spring 
of 1863 President Lincoln, through the War Department 
sent Col. Seward on a secret mission to General Banks, 
who was then operating near New Orleans. Although a 
young man and young in the service the duty was perform- 
ed with complete satisfaction in face of many 
dangers. 

In the early part of 1864 he was advanced to the rank 
of Colonel and was given command of the Ninth Heavy 
Artillery Regiment. He then joined the army of the 
Potomac at Hanover Court House, becoming a part of the 
Second Brigade, Rickett's Third Division and Wright's 
Army Corps under General Grant. From that time to 
the close of the active fighting. Colonel Seward and his 



218 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

regiment were in many engagements, at Petersburgh and 
Richmond, that at Cold Harbor being one of special im- 
portance. In the latter. Colonel Seward personally led 
his regiment, which sustained a loss of one hundred and 
forty- two killed and wounded. He won high commenda- 
tions from General Mead for his bravery and ability. 
Following this on July 6th Colonel Seward with four 
companies of his regiment, with part of General Rickett's 
Division, was sent to Frederick, Maryland, to intercept 
General Early who, with a force of rebels, was on the way 
to attack Baltimore and Washington. On the ninth 
he commanded his regiment in the battle of Monocacy, 
a bitterly contested engagement, in which Colonel Seward 
was wounded and also sustained further disaster in a 
broken leg, caused by the falling of his horse on being 
shot. For this gallant service again General Lew Wallace 
made special mention of him in his report to the War 
Department in recognition of his ability and valor. 
General Seward was soon thereafter appointed brigadier 
general of Volunteers, and upon recovery from his wounds, 
he was placed in command of the First Brigade, Third 
Division, Department in the Shenandoah Valley. After- 
wards he was for a time in command of the Third Division 
at Harper's Ferry. 

General Seward continued in active service until the 
close of the war, and returned bearing the honor won as a 
valiant soldier and successful commander. 

In Auburn General Seward has been interested and 
active in nearly all the important enterprises that have 
aided in building up and strengthening the commercial 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 219 

affairs of the town. In politics he has always been a 
consistent and devoted Repubilcan, and has worked 
zealously to advance the party's interests. He has not 
been an office seeker, however, although he has been 
chosen as presidential elector and in 1884 could have 
been nominated for Governor of the state had he seen fit 
to meet certain demands, but General Seward preferred 
not to accept the place under such circumstances. 

General Seward has been president of the City Hospital 
board, of the Cayuga County Savings Bank, a stockholder 
and director in the American Express Company, vice- 
president of Wells College, president of the Cayuga County 
Historical Society, and for more than thirty years main- 
tained at his personal expense the Auburn Free Reading 
Room for working men. This was a popular institution 
and attracted a large number of men from all walks 
in life. The attendance reached as high as forty thousand 
a year. These are a few of the many things that have 
had his interest. There are many others and many 
business connections other than those mentioned. 

On June 27th, 1860, General Seward married Miss 
Janet M. Watson, of Auburn. They have one son, 
William H. Seward, Jr., and two daughters, Mrs. Fred- 
erick I. Allen and Mrs. Ray S. Messenger. He has six 
grandsons. 

HON. CHARLES C. DWIGHT 

Hon. Charles C. Dwight was a soldier and commander 
in the Civil War, although his position and distinction 
were won as a lawyer and jurist. 



220 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Judge Dwight was born in Richmond, Berkshire County, 
Mass., September 15, 1830, and graduated at William's 
College in 1850. He read law in Albany and was ad- 
mitted to practise in 1853. In 1859 he began the practise 
in Auburn, being elected County Judge in 1860. He 
served until 1861 when he resigned and enlisted in the 
75th Regiment, being commissioned captain of Company 
D. In 1862 Captain Dwight was appointed assistant 
Adjutant General of Volunteers and assigned to duty on 
the staff of General Lewis G. Arnold at Fort Pickens. In 
1862 he was commissioned Colonel of the One Hundred 
and Sixtieth New York Volunteers. In the following 
year he was appointed Judge of the Provost Court of 
New Orleans, and in 1864 acted as commissioner in the 
exchange prisioners in the Department of the Gulf. 

In 1856 Colonel Dwight returned to Auburn and 
resumed the practise of the law. In 1867 he was a dele- 
gate to the constitutional convention and in 1868 was 
appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court to fill the 
vacancy caused by the death of Justice Henry Wells. 
In 1869 he was elected Justice, also in 1877 and in 1891, 
and was assigned to the General Term in Fifth Depart- 
ment. He was appointed residing justice January 1, 
1860. Judge Dwight afterwards was appointed to the 
Appellate Division but declined. He died in Auburn, 
April 8, 1902, after a busy and successful life crowned 
with honor and made more illustrious by great measure 
of respect and esteem in which he was held by all who 
knew him. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 221 

GENERAL JOHN S. CLARK 

Along certain lines of research work, as well as in his 
profession, Gen. John S. Clark attained much note and 
therefore the recognition of the most eminent scholars 
and authorities in the line of Indian history and Indian 
lore. 

General Clark was born in the town of Mentz, Cayuga 
County, November 3, 1823. He prepared for the work 
of engineer and surveyor and became one or the most 
proficient and reliable surveyors in the state. Clark's 
maps and drawings are now regarded as authoritive and 
reliable. He had a long and successful career in this line, 
during which time he was frequently employed as adviser 
and expert on important engineering and surveying 
propositions. 

It was not alone in his professional work, however, 
that General Clark became distinguished. He was a 
profound historian and his research work along the lines 
of Indian tradition and the early Jesuit Missions was 
exhaustive and thorough. He was a painstaking student 
in the work he essayed. His exhibit of Indian relics, 
curios and rare bits of history formed a collection of great 
value. At his death they were purchased by Willard E. 
Case, Esq., and presented to the Auburn Theological 
Seminary. 

In 1861 Mr. Clark joined the Nineteenth Regiment 
as Colonel and went into service soon after. He saw 
much hard fighting and at one time was reported killed. 
He was afterwards assigned to a place on the staffs of 
General McClellan, General Banks and General Pope. 



222 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Upon his return to Auburn, General Clark resumed his 
professional work and continued it until a short time 
before his death, which occurred April 7, 1912. In 1904 
he was awarded the Cornplanter medal for his Indian 
research. General Clark was also a valued member of 
the Cayuga County Historical Society. 

COLONEL JESSE SEGOINE 

Colonel Segoine, from early boyhood, was imbued with 
a military spirit. While he was yet a boy he joined a 
military organization in New York City and from that 
time nearly to the time of his death he was actively identi- 
fied with military affairs. He was born January 6, 1804, 
and moved to Auburn in 1836. He was a cabinet maker 
and furniture manufacturer. His company, Parsons, 
Hewson & Company, were contractors in the prison and 
were extensive manufacturers. The firm afterwards 
became Parsons, Hewson & Segoine. 

In 1840 Colonel Segoine organized the Auburn Guards, 
being commissioned captain of the organization by 
Governor Seward. In 1853 he was commissioned by 
Governor Seymour brigadier general of the militia. In 
18.57 Colonel Segoine went to Michigan to assume charge 
of the furniture manufacturing plant and while there 
continued his activity in the Michigan militia. While 
there he was commissioned major general of the militia. 
He returned to Auburn a little time prior to the breaking 
out of the Civil War and at once threw his efforts into the 
raising of the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment. 
He was chosen Colonel of the Regiment, and went to the 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 223 

front with the spirit of his younger days. x\ge and ill 
health, however, soon forced him to retire, greatly to his 
regret. Colonel Segione died in Auburn, August 15, 1895, 
being then a man of exceedingly great age. 

COLONEL CHARLES H. STEWART 

Colonel Charles Hoffman Stewart was a native of 
Geneseo, N. Y. where he was born October 27, 1828. 
When he was a young boy his parents moved to Scipio, 
where Charles H. was educated in the Quaker school. 
In 1849 he went to California, being one of the stock- 
holders in the vessel, known as the Belvidere, which it 
was claimed promised a fortune for all interested. After 
being present to witness the failure and the consequent 
loss of his investment, Mr. Stewart returned to Auburn. 
Subsequently he was engaged in various lines of business in 
the city until 1861. He enlisted in the Nineteenth 
Regiment New York Volunteers and was commissioned 
Captain of Company G. In a few months, however, he 
was promoted to the Colonelcy and rendered valuable 
service during the war until its close. 

Upon his return to Auburn Colonel Stewart engaged in 
the crockery business and continued as a merchant until 
his death. May 19, 1874. 

GENERAL JOHN N. KNAPP 

Although General John N. Knapp was not an active 
participant in the War of the Rebellion, he was directly 
connected officially with the movement of affairs and 
was also active in raising troops in his congressional 



224 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

district. He was appointed a member of the war com- 
mittee, whose office was the securing of recruits for 
service in the war. In 1863 he was appointed provost 
marshal and as such official rendered valuable service 
to the Government. 

Prior to and subsequent to the Civil War, General 
Knapp was active in politics and occupied many im- 
portant posts in his party's affairs and in the Government. 

General Knapp was born in the town of Victory, Cayuga 
County, November 8, 1826. In 1844 he was one of three 
selected from his county by the Board of Supervisors 
for free education at the Albany State Normal School. 
He, after graduating, engaged in the study of the law 
but soon was appointed to a position in the United States 
Treasury under the Honorable James Gutherie of Ken- 
tucky, who was then secretary. He accepted the position 
and soon thereafter was promoted to the position of 
special agent. 

Mr. Knapp, in 1856, was admitted to the bar and at 
once took a prominent place in his profession and in 
public affairs. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Demo- 
cratic National Convention at Charleston, South Caro- 
lina. Up to the beginning of the war, Mr, Knapp was a 
Democrat in politics, but like many others at that time, 
he became a Republican, and from that time on he was 
an active and conspicuous member of the party, was for 
many years a member of the Republican State Committee 
and served both as its chairman and treasurer. 

He served on the staff of Governor John A. Dix with 
the rank of brigadier general. In 1890 General Knapp 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 225 

was appointed by President Harrison to be Postmaster 
of Auburn. He resigned before the expiration of his 
term, however, to accept the collectorship of internal 
revenue. He occupied this office until his death, which 
occurred December 9, 1893. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HENRY M. STONE 

Lieutenant Stone was one of the first to enhst at the 
call for volunteers. He was a member of the Third 
New York Artillery and was a newspaper man of recog- 
nized ability and influence in the community. He was at 
different times editor of the Patriot, the Tocsin and the 
Auburn Democrat. He was a man of splendid qualities, 
and having the highest regard of those who knew him 
best. 

A HOME INCIDENT OF THE CIVIL WAR 

During the latter part of the war many different places 
in the country were made the headquarters of what was 
called the Invalid Corps. This was composed of men 
disabled by one cause or another from actual field duty, 
and so were stationed in certain locations to convalesce 
and meanwhile to do guard and patrol duty. A part 
of duty of these regular troops was to look after newly 
enlisted men and see that they went and returned within 
the limitation of their passes. They sometimes remained 
away from the barracks beyond the time allotted and 
sometimes they refused to return when ordered to do so. 
One night nearly fifty of these rebellious soldiers became 
involved with the guards at the corner of North and 



226 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Genesee streets. After a hand to hand struggle which 
lasted some time, the regulars were ordered to shoot, with 
the result that several were shot. It created a panic in 
town for a short time, and in spite of the danger to citizens 
upon the streets it had a wholesome and lasting effect. 

CIVIL WAR GENERALS BURIED IN FORT HILL 

There are several Civil War Generals buried in Fort 
Hill Cemetery who have not been mentioned in this 
chapter. 

Major General Emery Upton was born August 27, 
1839, and died March 15, 1881. He married Miss Emily 
Martin, daughter of Throop Martin of Willowbrook, 
Owasco lake. 

General Andrew J. Alexander was born November 21, 
1833, and died May 21, 1887. He married Miss Evalina 
Martin another daughter of Throop Martin. 

General Miles W. Keough was killed in Custer's Raid 
and was brought to Auburn by friends and buried in Fort 
Hill. 

Colonel Hugh M. McNiel a resident of Auburn, was 
killed in the battle of Antietam and is also buried in Fort 
Hill. 




CHAPTER X 

HISTORICAL EVENTS BIOGRAPHIES INSTITUTIONS 

[E Pullman sleeping car, which now has a 
world-wide reputation, had its conception 
in the mind of a man who was born in 
Auburn and it was afterwards developed, 
perfected and manufactured by him, on 
account of which he became a conspicuous figure in the 
world of progress and industry. 

George M. Pullman was born on Owasco street, where 
his parents, Albert and Emily Minton Pullman, were then 
living. While George M. was still a small lad the family 
moved to Westfield, N. Y., where the son grew to maturity. 
He, in the late sixties, began making the car in a small 
way and later established Pullman, III, which is the home 
of the industry. Pullman's mother once visited Auburn, 
making the trip in the first Pullman car that was made. 
Rear Admiral John P. Merrill also was born in Auburn. 
His parents were residents on Franklin street. The 
father died when John P. was a young boy and the mother 
taking the boy went to Michigan to reside. Later John 
P. Merrill entered the Annapolis Naval Academy, becom- 
ing finally a Rear Admiral, and served with marked credit. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS 

In the matter of statesmen and representatives in the 
halls of legislation, Auburn has contributed an unusually 



228 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

large number, some of whom have attained signal dis- 
tinction. 

The first representative in Congress from Auburn was 
Enos T. Throop, elected in 1814. He was followed by 
Nathaniel Garrow, who was elected in 1826. Gershom 
Powers succeeded Mr. Garrow at the close of his term 
in 1828. Ulysses F. Doubleday was elected in 1830 and 
re-elected in 1832. Christopher Morgan was elected first 
in 1838 and reelected in 1840, thus serving two terms also. 
George Rathbun was elected to the office in 1842 and 
succeeded himself in 1844. Thomas Y. How, Jr., was 
elected in 1850 and retired at the end of his term of two 
years. Theodore M. Pomeroy had the second longest 
career in point of service. He was elected first in 1860 
and continued through four terms, or eight years. In 1872 
General Clinton D. MacDougall was elected and re- 
elected in 1874. In 1882 Sereno E. Payne was elected, 
and with the exception of one term meanwhile, has been 
a member of the House continuously since. 

As a further meed of honor, Auburn has furnished two 
governors of the state, that is, Enos T. Throop and Wil- 
liam H. Seward. Added to these it has furnished an 
Ambassador to Spain — Honorable William Miller Collier. 

The Civil War ended in midsummer of 1865 and this 
relaxed the tension and restored in great measure the 
equilibrium of business. Auburn had forged ahead 
meanwhile, in fact, Auburn's numerical growth and com- 
mercial expansion from 1860 to 1872 was very marked. 
New railroads had been built into and through the town 
and many strong industries and business concerns had 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 229 

been established. Among them was the Merchants 
Union Express Company. 

MERCHANTS UNION EXPRESS COMPANY 

Auburn in 1866 was the home and central radiating 
point of an express company with twenty million dollars 
capital. It was a gigantic project to launch in face of the 
existing conditions, when every treasury had been drained 
in prosecuting the long war. 

The idea was conceived and the company organized 
by Elmore P. Ross, William H. Seward, Jr., William C. 
Beardsley, John N. Knapp and Elliot G. Storke. A 
company was organized with Elmore P. Ross, president; 
William H. Seward, Jr., vice-president; John N. Knapp, 
secretary, and William C. Beardsley, treasurer. The 
established express companies then were, the American, 
the United States, and the Adams, yet, the new enter- 
prise met with general favor throughout the country, the 
Company beginning business in the fall of 1866. 

This was a challenge to the established companies and 
they met it with a war in rates. As a matter of necessity 
the Merchants Union followed them until the railroads 
were swamped with goods in shipment. The railroads 
advanced their carrying rates three or four hundred per 
cent, which threatened disaster to the express companies. 
This warfare continued for two years or more, the new 
company in the meanwhile, having expended about five 
millions of dollars in maintaining its position. Finally a 
compromise was effected by which the Merchants Union 
was consolidated with the American Express Company, 



230 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

the name then becoming the American Merchants Union. 
Later the American returned to its former title. This, 
however, ended the express company war, also the Mer- 
chants Union. 

The Cayuga County Historical Society is now thirty- 
seven years old, having been organized in 1876. The 
society was promoted and founded through the efforts of 
Rev. Dr. Charles Hawley. It was incorporated February 
18, 1877. Hon. Theodore M. Pomeroy was chosen as the 
first president. Dr. Hawley acted as its president for 
many years. The society through the years has accumu- 
lated a large amount of historical matter and with proper 
means of ready access it would be to the community a 
valuable institution. 

HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD 

The story of the life and career of the Honorable William 
H. Seward has been so exhaustively written and is there- 
fore so familiar to all Americans and most of the readers 
in other countries that no attempt can with propriety be 
made here to take up the subject in detail. His place in 
history is assured for all time; and his place in the hearts 
and memory of the citizens of his home town is no less 
secure. He had their respect, love and honor while he 
lived among them, and when he died, the affection deep- 
ened into profound reverence for the man and his memory; 
and this is after all the most becoming crown to greatness. 

Mr. Seward was born in Florida, Orange County, N. Y., 
May 16, 1801. His father, Dr. Samuel S. Seward, was a 
practicing physician and took special pains to give his 




HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 231 

son every advantage in regard to education that was 
available in those days. The father was himself a man 
of education and William H. Seward received the training 
and discipline not only of a professional but a well balanced 
business man and man of affairs. This was supplemented 
with a course at Union College, from which he graduated 
three years later. Mr. Seward read law in New York 
City and at Goshen, N. Y., the county seat of his native 
county. Upon being admitted to practice in 1822 he 
soon moved to Auburn and entered into partnership with 
Hon. Elijah Miller, who was then County Judge. Mr. 
Seward's rise to position and fame was rapid and sure. 
All this is a matter of historical record. He early took an 
active part in the building and making of Auburn. He 
was progressive and constructive. He was the friend 
and helper of the poor man seeking to own a home. He 
opened new tracts of land, erected houses and expanded 
the inhabited section of the village and city. Mr. Seward 
married Miss Frances A. Miller, the daughter of his 
partner, Judge Miller. From 1850 to the time of his 
death, October 10, 1872, he was one of the conspicuous 
figures of the world. The monument erected in Seward 
Park mutely speaks the regard in which he was held by 
his fellow townsmen. 

CYRENUS WHEELER, JR. 

As a public benefactor Cyrenus Wheeler, Jr., will have 
a place in the annals of history and in the story of prog- 
ress and achievement of the future. His prime benefac- 
tions constituted the many inventions he produced to 



232 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

broaden the scope of mechanics and build up the world 
of industry. 

Mr. Wheeler's training school was the farm where he 
labored with all the disadvantages that were a part of the 
farmer's life in early times. He possessed the mechanical 
genius and his experience on the farm developed it and 
enabled him to turn it to account for the industrial better- 
ment of the agricultural masses. 

Mr. Wheeler was born in Michigan, March 17, 1817. 
The family originally was of English stock who settled 
in Boston in the seventeenth century. His mother, 
Thirza Evans Wheeler, was a native of Berkley, Mass. 
They migrated to Michigan and it was there that Cyrenus, 
Jr., was born. In 1835, the family moved to Cayuga 
County and settled on a farm at Poplar Ridge. They 
were industrious and successful farmers, to which the 
genius and study of Cyrenus contributed no little part. 
AVhile he worked the farm he was mentally active in 
devising ways and methods for facilitating and rendering 
easier the farm labor. He early began making labor- 
saving machinery, such as seed planters, horse pitchforks, 
feed cutters and other devices to aid in the farm work. 

In 1852 Mr. Wheeler brought out a machine for mow- 
ing grass and harvesting grain. It was first tried out at 
Poplar Ridge. It proved to be a success and by the next 
year Mr. Wheeler had added many improvements. The 
following year he began the manufacture of the machine. 
By this time he had secured forty-four patents on machines 
and improvements connected therewith. He sacrificed 
his farm crops to test the workability of his machines. 




CYRENUS WHEELER, JR. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 233 

So he went on perfecting his machines, contesting in the 
courts the many suits that were brought to deprive him 
of the fruits of his labor. Today the harvesting machines 
represent the work of his mechanical genius. He was the 
pioneer in the business. 

The business in 1858 was moved to Auburn and the 
Cayuga Chief Manufacturing Company was organized 
to turn out the various machines invented by Mr. Wheeler, 
A great busines was developed, the Wheeler machines 
having wide prestige and the name of Wheeler was known 
throughout the country. In 1874 the Cayuga Chief 
manufacturing plant was consolidated with the Osborne 
Company. Mr. Wheeler in 1881 retired from active 
business. He was honored with the oiSice of Justice of 
the Peace and member of the Board of Supervisors while 
living in the town of Venice. In 1881 he was elected 
Mayor of Auburn on the Republican ticket and was re- 
elected three times. 

Mr. Wheeler was a man of strong character with many 
attractive qualities. He was popular among all classes 
and honored by everybody who knew him. The Wheeler 
Rifles were named in his honor and he had much pride 
in the organization. 

Mr. Wheeler was three times married. His first wife 
was Harriet Trumball, a native of Cayuga County; his 
second wife was Susan Tracy of Bethany, Genesee County, 
N. Y., and his third wife was Jane Barker of Venice. They 
had two sons and two daughters the latter being now 
residents of Auburn. Mr. Wheeler died March 25, 1899. 



234 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

DAVID M. OSBORNE 

David M. Osborne, the founder of Auburn's greatest 
industry, was born at Rife, Connecticut, December 15, 
1822. He was the son of John and CaroHne Bulkley 
Osborne. 

David M. Osborne had very Httle school education, but 
he had instead a thorough training in the school of experi- 
ence. In this he was a good student and made the knowl- 
edge thus acquired count in his future life work. At 
the age of fifteen he left the home farm and took a position 
in a store in New York City, where much of the ground- 
work of his life success was gained. Two years later 
he became a clerk in a wholesale hardware store in New 
York, and it was during his service there that Mr. Osborne 
made the acquaintance of John L. Watrous of the firm of 
Watrous & Hyde, hardware merchants in Auburn. This 
acquaintance continued until 1848 when upon the death 
of Mr. Hyde, of Watrous & Hyde, Mr. Osborne became 
the partner of John L. Watrous in the hardware business 
in Auburn. 

With some changes in the partnerships, this business 
went on until the early fifties when Mr. Osborne erected 
a small building at the corner of Genesee and the present 
Osborne street and began in a small way the manufacture 
of straw-cutters and corn-shellers. This building is now 
a part of the great International Harvester Company. 

Although the industry was very small then, the capital 
was equally small, and sometimes the weekly payroll 
of a few dollars in part went over on account of a shortage 
of funds. In February, 1854, the payroll was $74.14, 




HARMON J, WOODRUFF, ESQ. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 235 

yet Mr. Osborne lived to see the payroll reach the sum of 
fifty thousand dollars. 

For a while Mr. Osborne abandoned the undertaking 
in Auburn and went to Buffalo with the hope of greater 
success There he met Mr. William Kirby, who had 
patented a combined reaper and mower. Mr. Osborne 
purchased an interest in the firm that was making this 
machine and the following year the machine was brought 
out and tested in Cayuga County. In the fall of 1858 
Mr. Osborne returned to Auburn and formed a company 
to carry on the manufacturing business. Cyrus C. 
Dennis and Charles P. Wood joined him as partners under 
the firm name of D. M. Osborne & Company and from 
that it expanded into the mammoth plant of today. 
The Osborne machines have a market throughout the 
world and the primary success of the industry was due 
to D. M. Osborne's wisdom, courage and tireless energy. 
In 1903 the plant became a part of the International 
Harvester Company. 

In 1851 Mr. Osborne married Eliza Wright, daughter 
of David and Martha Coffin Wright, of Auburn. They 
had three daughters and one son. Emily married Mr. 
Frederick Harris, of Springfield, Mass.; Helen married 
James Jackson Storrow, of Boston, Mass.; Florence died 
in 1877. Thomas Mott Osborne, the son, is a resident of 
Auburn. 

Mr. David M. Osborne was one of the foremost citizens 
of Auburn. The industry that he established was the 
chief element and force in the building up of the city, 
and as the business grew and prospered Mr. Osborne gave 



236 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

liberal aid and support to many other institutions and 
causes. His place in the world of business was won by 
industry, energy and honesty, while his standing as a 
citizen was due not alone to these but to his many splendid 
qualities as a man and friend. He died July 6, 1886. 

Mrs. Osborne was also a factor and influence in good 
works. She gave generously to the uplift and betterment 
work of the city, and, moreover, devoted much time and 
thought to helping others. She died in 1911, leaving the 
whole community to mourn her loss. 

HARMON WOODRUFF, ESQ. 

Harmon Woodruff, one of the early time substantial 
merchants of Auburn, was born at New Marlborough, 
Berkshire County, Mass., September 12, 1807. When 
he was a boy of six his parents moved to Towanda, Pa., 
where they resided a short time and then settled at 
Spencer, Tioga County, N. Y. Here he attended school 
and lived until he became twenty-one years of age. He 
then engaged as clerk in a drug store at Ithaca and re- 
mained there three years and from Ithaca he went to 
Cohocton, Steuben County, N. Y., and started as a mer- 
chant on his own account. While at Cohocton, Mr. 
Woodruff married, September 6, 1832, Miss Jane H. 
Cook of that place. He continued in business there until 
January, 1834, at which time he moved to Auburn and 
entered into partnership with George S. Murphy and 
later had as a partner G. V. Orton. Upon the dissolution 
of this latter partnership, Mr. Woodruff carried on the 
business alone and for nearly a half century he was one 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 237 

of the most prominent and prosperous merchants in 
Auburn. He was a man of great energy, good business 
abihty and the strictest honor and integrity. During 
all this time Mr. Woodruff was actively identified with 
the prominent institutions and enterprises that con- 
tributed to the town's prosperity. He was for many 
years one of the valued directors of the Bank of Auburn, 
a part of the time serving as vice-president. He was 
also in the early days one of the promoters of plank roads, 
before the steam roads came into use. When the old 
Southern Central Railroad was projected, Mr. Woodruff 
was one of the active leaders in securing right of way 
and in the construction of the road, and was a director 
in the company. He was one of the projectors also of the 
Auburn Water Works Company and also a director. 

While residing at Spencer, Mr. Woodruff became a 
member of the Congregational Church and upon settling 
in Auburn he identified himself with the First Presby- 
terian Church, and was a member up to the time of his 
death, November 1, 1885. In 1846 he was chosen a 
trustee of the church and served with great earnestness 
and fidelity for thirty-five years. He was also one of the 
building committee when the present church was erected 
and rendered valuable service by giving personal attention 
to the construction from the start to the finish. In 1853 
he was elected a ruling elder and was reelected successively 
ten times. 

There were five sons and one daughter born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Woodruff, namely, E. Delevan, Paul C, J. Hermon, 
James H. and Henry C; the daughter becoming the wife 
of Henry D. Titus, Esq. 



238 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

LAURENS J. STORKE 

Laurens J. Storke began his career in Auburn as a news- 
paper man. In 1870 he was connected with the Auburn 
Bulletin and when the Morning News was started he be- 
came one of its editors. Through this newspaper con- 
nection Mr. Storke made many acquaintances among 
prominent men, which also brought him into the pubhc 
eye in pohtics. He was a Democrat and was then more 
or less active in the party's interest. In 1888 Mr. Storke 
was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention 
held in St. Louis. President Cleveland during his second 
term appointed him postmaster of Auburn, and at one 
time he was a candidate for the mayorality. 

It was in the telephone business, however, that Mr. 
Storke was best known. His connection with the tele- 
phone department of the Western Union began in 1879 
when he was assistant manager of this and the Gold and 
Stock Telephone Company with headquarters in New 
York. In 1880 he became actively identified with the 
Bell Telephone Company and in company with Thomas 
B. Doolittle adjusted many differences growing out of 
the consolidations that took place that year. He was 
also interested in the telephone company of Missouri 
and others in South America. He was one of the organizers 
of the Central New York Telephone Company and was 
its vice-president for many years. Mr. Storke was born 
in Sennett. He died January 26, 1912. 

FRANKLIN L. GRISWOLD 

Franklin L. Griswold, merchant, was born in Troy, 
N. Y. in 1816. When a boy of sixteen he located in 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 239 

Auburn and attended school for a period of time. He 
then became clerk in the Bank of Auburn and a little 
later was made teller. In 1838 Mr. Griswold resigned his 
position in the bank and founded the clothing store which 
is still carried on larger and more prosperously than in the 
early years, the firm name having changed merely to 
Mosher, Griswold & Co. Mr. Griswold began business 
in a store on Genesee street east of North street, but in 
1844 moved to 89 Genesee street, the present quarters 
with the exception that another store has been added. 
He was a good merchant and a pioneer in the one price 
system. Mr. Griswold had many partners during his 
business career, the partners at the time of his death, 
December 26, 1879, being J. L. Barker, Frank K. Griswold 
and Charles P. Mosher. The firm then became Barker, 
Griswold & Co. and so continued until 1905. 

Mr. Griswold was a man of sterling character and a 
citizen whom everybody honored and respected. Mr. 
Griswold married Miss Laura H. Lansing, daughter of 
the Rev. Dr. Dirck C. Lansing of the First Presbyterian 
Church, of which Mr. Griswold was for many years an 
elder. His deeds of kindness and helpfulness were many. 

JUSTIN L. BARKER 

Justin L. Barker was a son of Timothy and Martha 
Leonard Griswold Barker and was born at Stony Creek, 
Conn., August 13, 1832. He located in Auburn in 1849 
and engaged as clerk in the store of F. L. Griswold & Co., 
and later was a partner in the business. He became a man 
of prominence and value in the community. Mr. Barker 



240 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

was keenly interested in military affairs and rendered 
substantial aid to the various organizations from time to 
time. He was also one of the promoters of the Cayuga 
County Savings Bank and served as one of its trustees. 
He died November 10, 1904. 

MICHAEL S. MYERS 

Michael S. Myers was born at Waterford, Saratoga 
County, N. Y. April 15, 1801. He was educated in his 
native town and read law there. In 1817 he entered the 
law office of Lockwood & Throop in Auburn and was 
admitted to the bar in 1825. Soon thereafter he moved 
to Aurora and practiced there with Hon. Glen Cuyler 
until 1828, at which time he was elected County Clerk 
by reason of which he returned to Auburn. He served 
nine years as clerk and later three years as district at- 
torney. In 1844 Mr. Myers was appointed inspector of 
prisons and in 1849 was appointed postmaster of Auburn. 
He held many important offices and was an active figure 
in public affairs. He died in Auburn in 1884. 

ELMORE p. ROSS, ESQ. 

Elmore P. Ross was probably one of the most versatile 
and resourceful men that ever engaged in business in 
Auburn. In fact his business connections and under- 
takings were so varied and many of them so extensive 
that none but a man of remarkable courage and foresight 
could have discerned anything like success often times. 

Mr. Ross was born at Dover, Duchess County, N. Y., 
May 18, 1809, and with his parents moved to Port Byron 
in 1811, his father being a surveyor and school teacher. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 241 

He lived in Port Byron until 1848 being engaged as clerk 
and later as merchant. He was a keen business man with 
the ability to make friends and hold them. This charac- 
terized him throughout his life both in business and in 
politics. 

At the time of moving to Auburn in 1848, Mr. Ross 
had a contract in the prisons at Auburn, Sing Sing and 
Kingston, Canada, which were very profitable. He was 
one of the chief promoters of the Southern Central Rail- 
road and later served as its president. He was one of 
the organizers and president of the Merchants Union 
Express Company, president of the First National Bank 
of Auburn and a director in the Cayuga County National 
Bank. These are a few of his many business connections; 
in politics his activities were no less marked. 

Mr. Ross was a Democrat in politics in which he was 
persistent as he was in his business enterprises. He never 
sought office for himself but derived pleasure from helping 
his friends. He was wholly unselfish, frank and always 
honest. He valued friendship above personal benefits. 

Mr. Ross was at various times tendered almost every 
office within the gift of his party. He did, however, 
accept the postmastership of Auburn under President 
James Buchanan. Mr. Ross married Miss Caroline, a 
daughter of Ethan Akin, of Port Byron. They had two 
sons and one daughter. Mr. Ross died May 19, 1879. 

WILLIAM C. BEARDSLEY 

Mr. William C. Beardsley was born at Stewarts Corners, 
Cayuga County, March 27, 1816. He received his educa- 



242 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

tion at the Aurora Academy and the academy at Homer, 
N. Y. Subsequently he read law in the office of Nelson 
Beardsley, his brother, and after being admitted to prac- 
tice he was appointed master in chancery, a position he 
held for several years. 

Mr. Beardsley's inclinations, however, were more in the 
direction of business than law and his abilities were there- 
fore devoted to many enterprises. He was cashier and 
president of the Auburn Exchange Bank, one of the 
original stockholders of the Cayuga County National 
Bank, treasurer of the old Merchants Union Express 
Company, a director in the Grand Trunk railroad, one 
of the first trustees of Fort Hill Cemetery Association 
and trustee of the Auburn Savings Bank up to the time 
of his death. He also served as postmaster, 1841-45, and 
in 1852 was presidential elector. He died January 25, 
1900. 

SYLVESTER WILLARD, M.D. 

For nearly half a century Dr. Sylvester Willard was 
more than ordinarily prominent in the life and affairs of 
Auburn. He was known by nearly every citizen and 
had their respect and honor. 

Dr. Willard was born at Saybrook, Conn., December 
24, 1798, where he spent his early boyhood. He was 
educated at the New Canaan Academy and later graduated 
from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York 
City. He practiced his profession in his native state 
until 1840, at which time he removed to Chicago and 
there engaged in professional work. While in Connecti- 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 243 

cut he married, in 1830, Miss Jane Frances Case, daughter 
of Erastus Case, who also located in Chicago in 1840. 
Dr. Willard was accounted a good physician, although 
the later years of his life were devoted to other activities. 
He possessed a genial manner and a kindly spirit that 
made many warm friends and commanded the highest 
regard of those who were merely acquaintances. His 
time, energy and means were given liberally in support 
of all movements for good, while he was interested in 
many business enterprises and business institutions. 
Dr. Willard was one of the organizers of the Oswego 
Starch Factory in 1848 and served as its president until 
his death. He was officially identified with banks and 
manufacturing industries. 

Dr. Willard was the first physician at the Cayuga 
County Asylum for the poor, a trustee of the Young 
Ladies Institute and of the Elmira Female College. He 
was devoted to the church and its advancement in Christian 
work. His substance was generously given to the First 
Presbyterian Church. He contributed a good part of 
the funds for the building of the present church edifice 
and was no less liberal to the Auburn Theological Semi- 
nary. When Dr. Willard died in 1886 the whole com- 
munity mourned the loss. He left two daughters, 
however, who continued the stream of charity and wel- 
fare work. Only one of these. Miss Caroline, is now 
living. 



244 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

INSTITUTIONS 



BUSINESS MEN S ASSOCIATION 

One of the organizations of the city that has some real 
creative and conserving force is the Auburn Business 
Men's Association, the membership of which includes 
the public spirited merchants, manufacturers and pro- 
fessional men of Auburn. It was organized in 1893, and 
incorporated in 1898. It is located in the Auburn Savings 
Bank Building, with a commodious suite of offices. 

The objects for which the Association was formed are 
for the financial, commercial and general prosperity of 
Auburn and Cayuga County; to foster all means of 
social intercourse and oppose anything intended to 
deceive or defraud its members or the public at large; 
to improve, protect and promote the rights and interests 
of trade; to increase and advance the industries of the 
city; to contribute with its influence and funds toward 
securing legislation and laws of more satisfactory nature 
in the interests of business men; to strenuously oppose 
legislation inimical to their interests, to advocate by 
precept and example the patronizing of home merchants 
and industries; and to disseminate useful information. 

The organization, through its efficient officers and 
various committees has been a force for carrying out the 
objects for which they stand, and for advertising the city 
through its numerous publications and writeups. The 
high character of the men chosen on its Board of Directors 
is an index to the whole organization. In addition to 
securing and assisting financially industries locating in 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 245 

Auburn, many important legislative matters both State 
and National, as well as local, receive their careful atten- 
tion and support. They co-operate in securing and 
entertaining large conventions, and create and assist in 
beneficial celebrations. 

The industrial exhibit held at the opening of the mam- 
moth new freight house of the New York Central Railroad 
Company in October, 1905, was pronounced worthy of 
cities much larger than Auburn. Many features of 
business life undertaken by Chambers of Commerce or 
similar organizations in larger cities than Auburn when 
found practical are successfully put into operation by the 
Auburn Business Men's Association. There is main- 
tained in the offices an exceedingly efficient Merchants 
Reporting Exchange conducted in such a satisfactory 
manner as to be of inestimable value to merchants and 
professional men of the city. The Associated Charieties, 
an efficient organization, has its offices in the Business 
Men's rooms. 

The Auburn Business Men's Association has made 
and maintains a record for service of such a substantial 
quality that it has become the forum from which many 
of the best features of city life originate and are brought 
to a successful termination for the betterment of Auburn 
and the community. 

HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS 

The Home for the Friendless, or The Home, as it is 
more commonly known, was started in 1864 and was 
incorporated in 1865. The original plan of the institution 
was to care for the widows and children of soldiers. This 



246 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

was adhered to for a time but as the needs for such an 
institution grew less urgent, its scope changed so that it 
became exclusively an old ladies' home. 

The Home is pleasantly situated on Grant avenue, has 
a handsome building well equipped and efficiently con- 
ducted. It furnishes cheerful, bright homes to thirty -five 
inmates, who enjoy most of the comforts of a private 
home. The capacity of the institution, however, has 
become wholly inadequate to care for the list of applicants. 
It has some endowment but not sufficient to make it 
self-sustaining. 

THE ASYLUM FOR DESTITUTE CHILDREN 

The Cayuga County Asylum for Destitute Children 
was organized in 1852, It has now been in operation 
more than sixty years, during which time it has done a 
most commendable work in caring for destitute children. 
Many of the most zealous and charitable women of the 
city have devoted much time and thought to the building 
up and betterment of the institution. It now occupies 
a very comfortable building in Owasco street and is in 
the hands of a careful and well organized board of mana- 
gers. 

THE woman's union 

The Auburn Woman's Union was founded in 1882 
largely through the efforts, influence and financial back- 
ing of Mrs. D. M. Osborne. Her time and money were 
devoted to the project and she lived to help in the making 
and building of one of the handsomest and most adequately 
equipped institutions of its kind in any city of the union. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 247 

Many other ladies of Auburn also have rendered valu- 
able aid in making the Union and carrying on the work 
to which it is devoted. The building is an imposing 
structure occupying a central location on South street, 
next the Seward residence. Mrs. Osborne, at her death, 
left an endowment which in great measure cares for the 
cost of maintenance. She also purchased the present 
site and erected the commodious building. It contains 
large dining rooms and many rooms for young women 
seeking a home surrounded with wholesome and beneficial 
influence. 

THE TUBMAN HOME 

The chief interest centering in the Tubman Home is 
that of the woman who founded it and whose name it 
bears. Although a colored woman, she was a remark- 
able character. She had a constant struggle to have a 
home herself during her long and eventful life, and finally 
died in May, 1913, in the home which she had founded for 
colored people. 

Harriet Tubman Davis was born and served as a slave 
for many years of her life, but escaped from bondage 
before the Civil War and through her efforts many other 
slaves were rescued from a life of thraldom. The Tubman 
home is situated on South street, in an unpretentious 
brick building, yet it supplies a home for several aged 
colored people. 

AUBURN CITY HOSPITAL 

The Auburn City Hospital came into existence mainly 
through the beneficence of that philanthropist, James S. 
Seymour. At his death he left a bequest for that purpose 



248 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

and in July, 1878, incorporation papers for the hospital 
were secured and the following were chosen as the first 
board of Trustees: D. M. Osborne, Rufus Sargent, 
Charles P. Wood, Harmon Woodruff, Silas L. Bradley, 
Byron C. Smith, William G. Wise, James R. Cox, James 
Seymour, Jr., William H. Seward, and Charles Standart. 
The institution was formally opened for patients on 
April 20, 1880. A board of lady managers was also a part 
of the governing body. The hospital is beautifully 
situated on east hill, the buildings fronting on Lansing 
street. The hospital now includes one large main building 
and two adjoining buildings. It is well equipped, effi- 
ciently conducted, thus constituting one of the most useful 
institutions of the city. 

YOUNG men's christian ASSOCIATION 

The Auburn Young Men's Christian Association was 
organized in 1859 and the present building on Genesee 
street was erected in 1884. The Association has become a 
strong and efficiently conducted society in good works. 

SUNNYCREST HOSPITAL 

Another city institution of great value is that of the 
Sunnycrest Hospital or tuberculosis sanitarium which was 
established in 1911. It occupies a commodious building 
on Prospect street and has already treated many patients. 

STATE ARMORY 

The State Armory is a large and imposing stone building 
fronting on State street, was erected in 1882. It is the 
home of the Wheeler Rifles. 




CHAPTER XI 



MUSIC, INDUSTRIES, THE MUNICIPALITY 

JUSIC has a place along with other educating 
and refining influences in a community and 
some of the musicians who dispense the 
music in one form or another often leave a 
lasting impression on the minds of their 
auditors. The church choirs frequently develop musical 
talent of a high order. 

The first church choir in Auburn was that at the First 
Presbyterian church about 1820. In this choir were 
Misses Mary and Caroline Burton, Miss Laura Cole, Miss 
Margaret Lytic, Miss Maria Hardenburgh, Aaron Pittne3% 
Henry Porter, Abijah Fitch and William Brown. The 
latter was the leader of the choir and Mr. Brown always 
started the tune with a pitch pipe. But the choir con- 
tained some beautiful voices and from that first choir 
there was developed some good musicians, who later 
attained note. 

The first Auburn band was organized in December, 1825, 
at Brown's Coffee House. It was made up mostly of 
musical young men and Mr. Brown was the leader of the 
aggregation. Citizens of the village contributed funds to 
purchase the equipment, and the Auburn Band filled an 
important place in the community for some time. 



250 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Since the days of the first choir, the First Presbyterian 
church has had in its choir many singers of rare talent. 
Mrs. Stephen Y. Groot was a soprano in the choir for a 
long time. She also sang in the Second church and Saint 
Peters. Mrs. Fannie Benson Bennett, another soprano, 
was a member of the First church choir. Mrs. Angeline 
Rathbun Button, a contralto, sang in both the First and 
the Second churches. Dr. Hudson was a tenor in the 
Second church and had a high reputation as a singer. 
Hudson Brothers formed a quartet and toured the country, 
making a good name on account of their talent. 

Mrs. William H. Meaker, formerly Miss Pomeroy, 
Richard S. Holmes and William Holmes sang at the First, 
Second and at St. Peter's. At the First Baptist church 
there have been such singers as Mrs. Jennie Fleetwood 
Brown, Miss Jennie Brown, Miss Mary Arnett, contralto, 
George Green, tenor, Fidose Williwick, a German of excep- 
tional voice, Mrs. Jennie Slee Starr, contralto, Miss Minnie 
Tifft, soprano, Frank Strong, bass, Lionel Lodge, tenor, 
and Miss Groot who, it was said, possessed a voice like that 
of Jenny Lind. 

Mr. Chandler N. Thomas, in the early sixties, was 
leader of the Central church choir. He had a remarkable 
bass voice of wonderful power and sweetness. During his 
leadership, the Central church developed mny fine voices 
and had a choir of more than ordinary note. Mr. Thomas 
was followed in the Central church by Mr. Abel Grosvenor 
Hopkins. Dr. Hudson was also in the Central church 
choir and Mr. H. V. Quick was bass singer at the same 
time. Mr. G. W. Sahsbury, another noted bass singer, 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 251 

was a member of the Central choir in the seventies. 
There have been many more in the past and there are 
members of the local church choirs today that possess 
unusual talent and by these public exhibitions, as far as 
they can do so in the choir, aid in the education and refine- 
ment of the community. 

Probably the most eminent musician in his particular 
line was Mr. Isaac Van Vleck Flagler. He was in the 
highest class as an organist, was a composer of organ 
music and a lecturer of recognized ability along these lines. 

Mr. Flagler was born in Albany in 1842. He was educa- 
ted in London under H. W. A. Beale, in Paris under 
Eduard Batiste and in Dresden under Gustav Merkel. He 
was at different times organist at Syracuse and Cornell 
Universities and a lecturer at the Conservatory of Music in 
Utica, N. Y. He composed five organ collections, several 
pieces for the organ, piano and voice. Mr. Flagler was 
selected to play the organ at the World's Fair in St. Louis. 
In 1862 he married Miss Henrietta E. Cook of Auburn, 
sister of Horace T. Cook, Esq. Mr. Flagler was for many 
years organist at the First Presbyterian church. He was 
also choirmaster at the First Presbyterian church in 
Albany also of the Plymouth church Chicago. He died 
in Auburn, March 16, 1909. 

THE SEYMOUR LIBRARY 

The Seymour Library was established in 1876 through 
the efforts and beneficence of James S. Seymour, Esq. 
The library was for many years quartered in the Auburn 
Savings Bank building, but upon the completion of the 



252 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Case Memorial library building, the library was moved to 
the new building and is now beautifully housed. The 
building was erected by Mr. Willard E. Case as a memorial 
to his father, Theodore P. Case. 

Mr. Seymour was an earnest worker for civic betterment 
and along with his time and efforts he generously con- 
tributed money to further the cause. At his death, Mr. 
Seymour left a handsome endowment for the maintenance 
of the institution he had founded. The library is now very 
completely equipped in all departments, thus supplying a 
valuable means of education. 

In 1879 an amendment to the Auburn City charter was 
secured which increased the number of wards from seven 
to ten, as at present. The amendment also materially 
changed the organization of the city government, authoriz- 
ing new departments and enlarging the powers of city 
officials. 

The letter carrier system was adopted in Auburn in 1880. 
Up to this time there was no uniformity in the matter of 
street numbering, which fact caused much trouble and 
confusion in the service. The Common Council, however, 
at once adopted methods to relieve the difficulty by re- 
numbering the residences of all the streets. 

As previously mentioned, the Wheeler Rifles were 
organized in 1880 also. The Forty-Ninth Regiment had 
been disbanded in September of that year and the organiza- 
tion of the new company took effect in December following. 
The new company was known as Company M. Wheeler 
Rifles. Gorton W. Allen was elected the first captain, W. 
M. Kirby, first lieutenant, and Henry S. Dunning, second 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 253 

lieutenant. Company M did service in the Spanish- 
American War. 

This time, too, marked the beginning of the street car 
system in the city, which, as in all other cities, later was 
electrified and modernized. 

The stone block in which is the store number 103 Genesee 
street was erected in 1835 by the William Bostwick estate 
and the store adjoining on the west, number 105, was built 
by Gen. John H. Chedell. Both of these now constitute 
the dry goods store of the John W. Rice Company. Cap- 
tain Fitch kept a jewelry store in number 105 in 1827 and 
<jen. Chedell followed him that year. It has been a 
jewelry store continuously since. 

In the year 1884 the electric lighting system was adopted 
and in December of that year the first electric light 
illuminated the streets of Auburn. 

General Grant in 1880 visited Auburn and delivered an 
address in one of the D. M. Osborne Company buildings. 
This was during the Garfield presidential campaign. 
General Grant was tendered a most cordial reception by 
the citizens. General W. S. Hancock was in Auburn at 
one time and delivered a speech from the balcony of the 
American Hotel. He was a guest at this time of General 
Clinton D. MacDougall. 

The year 1888 witnessed the dedication of the Seward 
Monument in Seward Park. It was a noteworthy occasion 
in Auburn. A large concourse of people gathered, many 
coming from distant parts of the country to attend the 
unveiling of the statue. Hon. William M. Everts delivered 
the oration and other prominent men participated. At 



254 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

this time General William H. Seward and his brother 
donated a piece of land adjoining the park on the north, 
thus enlarging the park grounds to the present dimensions. 

In 1881 Auburn had one colored policeman. His name 
was George B. Lightfoot and he made a very faithful and 
industrious official. His service, however, did not cover a 
very long period of time. 

In 1890 was begun the construction of the steel bridge on 
Genesee street. This bridge is still intact. 

In 1893 Auburn celebrated its one hundredth anniver- 
sary. It was a notable demonstration in commemoration 
of a century of wonderful progress and upbuilding. The 
event was signalized by the advance that year from horse 
power to electricity in propelling the street cars of the city. 
The Old Home week in 1906 was another occasion of much 
interest and activity. It afforded opportunity to indicate 
the enterprise and industrial growth and commercial 
expansion of Auburn. 

THE REV. BENONI I. IVES, D.D. 

The death of the Rev. Dr. Benoni I. Ives, December 9, 
1912, closed a remarkable career. For nearly seventy 
years Dr. Ives had been before the public as a clergyman 
and worker in the cause of Christianity and uplift work; 
and during this period of time, which is almost unprece- 
dented in life's activities, there never was a shadow on his 
splendid character or a question as to his hearty sincerity 
in the part he bore. 

Dr. Ives was born on a farm in Tompkins County, N. Y., 
January 2, 1822. His parents migrated from Wyoming, 




REV. BENONI I. IVES, D.D. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 255 

Penn., and settled on a farm as above stated. They were 
of New England descent but early moved westward. 
Orin Ives, father of Dr. Ives, served in the War of 1812. 
He was a soldier under General Winfield Scott and was in 
the battle of Lundys Lane and others that took place in the 
vicinity of Niagara Falls. He was one of the pioneers in 
Tompkins County. 

Dr. Ives' early boyhood schooling was obtained at a 
country school near his home. The family, however, 
moved to Michigan and the son, Benoni, was returned for 
a course in the Macedon, N. Y. Academy. At the age of 
twenty, or in 1842, he decided to enter the ministry, and 
three years later he became a Methodist minister and was 
ordained in 1847. His first charge was at Fleming, N. Y., 
and the second was at Stockbridge, Michigan. His zeal 
and earnestness, coupled with his ability, soon won for him 
a prominent place in the church. In 1854 he was called to 
the pastorate of the First Methodist church in Auburn. 
Here he did wonderful work in building up the church and 
extending the missionary activities. During this period of 
service. Dr. Ives established the Wall Street church and 
aided in building up its membership. 

In 1856 Dr. Ives was appointed Chaplain of the prison 
and during eleven years service at that institution, he did 
effective work among the prisoners. During this service 
he also acted as pastor of the Wall Street church. In 1868 
he was chosen presiding elder of the Auburn district, hav- 
ing thirty-two churches in his jurisdiction. He served 
four years with an unusual record of success. The various 
churches were strengthened and the membership vastly 
increased. 



256 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

In view of his marked energy and good executive ability, 
the Board of Bishops urged Dr. Ives to accept the position 
created for him — that of organizer of new churches. He 
accepted the place and from this time he was a national 
figure in church work and church building. The labor was 
agreeable to him and he possessed the courage and ability 
to achieve success. Dr. Ives name was known throughout 
the country. This continued through ten years, he a 
greater part of the time traveling twenty-five thousand 
miles each year. During his career Dr. Ives dedicated 
more than two thousand churches, and was the main force 
in raising many millions of dollars for their building and 
for the discharge of mortgage indebtedness. He never was 
averse to helping other denominations and, therefore, much 
of his time and energy was given for their benefit. 

During his later years. Dr. Ives was secretary of the 
Conference and counselor in all important movements. 
Dr. Ives was twice married. His first wife was Mar^^ 
Whit beck of Fleming, by whom there was one son, Francis 
B. Ives. For his second wife, Dr. Ives married Miss Julia 
Hosmer, daughter of the Rev. William Hosmer, who was 
for many years editor of the Northern Advocate. By this 
union there were two children, one son, William Hosmer 
Ives and one daughter, Julia Belle, who became Mrs. 
Frank Messenger. 

WILLIS JUDSON BEECHER, D.D. 

Another very notable theologian, who had a long and 
useful career, was Dr. Willis Judson Beecher. Dr. 
Beecher*s life work was along scholastic lines, literature and 




REV. WILLIS JUDSON BEECHER, D.D. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 257 

research work. The work he did in his field of endeavor 
was deep, scholarly and thorough. He attained world- 
wide note and held a place among the eminent scholars of 
the world. He was an influential teacher and a forceful, 
logical writer. Had Dr. Beecher accomplished no more in 
his life work than the books he wrote, he would have won 
distinction. But these represent only a part of the labor 
and thought of a busy life. 

Dr. Beecher was born at Hampden, Ohio, April 29, 1838. 
His parents were John Wyllys and Achsa Judson Beecher. 
The family early moved to Oneida County, N. Y., and 
Willis J. prepared for college at the Augusta Academy and 
the Vernon Academy. In 1854 he entered Hamilton Col- 
lege and graduated in 1858, being the valedictorian of his 
class. Following his graduation Dr. Beecher taught for a 
time at the Whitestown Seminary and then entered Auburn 
Theological Seminary in 1864. During his seminary 
course, he acted as pastor of the Presbyterian church at 
Ovid, N. Y. A little later he became professor of moral 
science and belles-lettres at Knox College, Galesburg, 111. 
While there he also held the pastorate of a Presbyterian 
church. 

In 1871 Dr. Beecher was called from Galesburg to take 
the professorship of the Hebrew language and literature 
at the Auburn Theological Seminary. Here was the 
beginning of his great work. Dr. Beecher was by nature 
and inclination a student and the new position afforded 
opportunity for study, thought and productive work. 
He was an analyst, a serious, conscientious researcher, and 
the religious world received benefit from his thought and 



258 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

study. Besides smaller works and lectures. Dr. Beecher 
produced several books of great importance. As early as 
1874 he brought out "The Tompkins Farmer and his 
Bibles," which had a wide sale and attracted much favor- 
able comment. In 1905 another great work under the title 
of "The Prophets and the Promise" was published and 
this was followed in 1906 by "The Teachings of Jesus Con- 
cerning the Future Life." In 1907 Dr. Beecher's last 
great work came out, "Dates and Events of the Old Testa- 
ment." There were few scholars in his field of research 
who were regarded more profound, more logical or more 
reliable in the thoughts and data presented. Dr. Beecher 
was for nearly forty years a valuable member of the 
Auburn Seminary faculty. His work there was earnest 
and thorough. In 1875 Dr. Beecher's alma mater honored 
him with the degree of Doctor of Divinity and in 1896 
Princeton University conferred upon him the same 
degree. 

The esteem in which Dr. Beecher was held throughout 
the land was no more marked or more sincere than the 
regard for him in his home city. His heart was in every- 
thing that made for a higher life and his sympathies went 
out to all in distress. Dr. Beecher was one of the early 
members of the Cayuga County Historical Society, of 
which he was president for a long period of time. He was 
a member of Central church and a teacher in the Sunday 
schools and at the Y. M. C. A. His other connections 
were: membership in the American Oriental Society, The 
American Institute of Sacred Literature, and the Bible 
League. He was also a trustee of Wells College. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 259 

In 1865 Dr. Beecher married Miss Sara Maria Bolter of 
Ovid, N. Y. She died several years before Dr. Beecher. 
They had one daughter, Miss Elizabeth Beecher, now a 
resident of iVuburn. Dr. Beecher died May 10, 1912. 

WILLIAM S. CHEESMAN, M.D. 

William S. Cheesman, M.D., was born in Brooklyn, 
February 10, 1853, and prepared for college at the Brooklyn 
Polytechnic Institute, one of the best schools of the kind 
in the country. He then entered Princeton University and 
graduated in the class of 1875, being one of the honor 
members of his class. xVfter graduating, Dr. Cheesman 
took the course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
New York City, and supplemented this with five years 
service in Bellevue Hospital. 

It may readily be seen, therefore, that Dr. Cheesman 's 
preparation for the life work he had chosen was thorough 
and complete. His constitution was not strong, however, 
while his ambition to work and achieve was almost without 
limit. Thus he labored against a grievous hindrance, yet, 
he made notable progress in his profession and gained a 
reputation that was state wide. It was on account of his 
somewhat delicate, physical condition that Dr. Cheesman 
concluded in 1881 to leave New York and settle in Auburn, 
where he believed the opportunities for building up were 
possible. But his life was a busy one. He soon grew up a 
large practice and his interest and sense of duty kept him 
at his work, with little time to seek the benefits that he 
needed. He was a leader in surgery and the intensity of 
his care and interest in these cases added another strain. 



260 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

As a physician, surgeon and friend, Dr. Cheesman won a 
place in the community and in the state that will remain on 
record during the years to come. 

In 1882 Dr. Cheesman married Miss Mary, daughter of 
Rev. Theodore Cuyler, of Brooklyn. She is still a resident 
of Auburn. 

Dr. Cheesman was honored by many societies and 
organizations of the state and was a member of a large 
number of societies. He was a member of the American 
Medical Association, the Medical Society of New York 
State, a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine 
and one of the committee on Experimental Medicine. 
He was also a member of the editorial staff of the New 
York Medical Journal. Dr. Cheesman in 1890 went to 
Berlin and Vienna, where he took special courses in 
medicine and surgery. 

As a citizen of Auburn, Dr. Cheesman had the confidence 
and honor of everybody. He was interested in good works 
and gave time and money to further the causes. At his 
death, May 17, 1912, Dr. Cheesman bequeathed his 
medical library to the Seymour Library, which is to be 
placed in a special alcove and bear his name. He also left 
bequests to the City Hospital and the Auburn Theological 
Seminary. 

HON. ADOLPHUS H. SEARING 

Judge Searing was born in Scipio, Cayuga County, 
August 25, 1856. His parents were Quakers and among 
the early settlers in that part of the county. Adolphus H. 
as a boy attended the Sherwood Academy and entered 




WILLIAM 



CHEESMAN, M.D. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 261 

Swarthmore College, from which he graduated in 1878. 
He then taught school for a year and the following year 
entered the law department of Michigan University, 
graduating with honor in 1882. 

At this time ]Mr. Searing settled in Auburn and became a 
partner of the Hon. Horace V. Howland. This partner- 
ship continued about two years, when Mr. Searing with- 
drew and carried on his law work alone. He was bright 
and ambitious, and by industry and close application he 
soon attained high standing in the bar of the city and 
county. In 1898 he was elected Special County Judge and 
served with the greatest satisfaction until 1901. He was 
that year nominated for County Judge on the Republican 
ticket and elected bj^ a handsome majority. As a jurist he 
made an excellent reputation. He was conscientious, 
impartial, yet wise in his renderings. In the higher courts 
Judge Searing's opinions were well regarded, while among 
the lawyers he was esteemed and honored. 

Judge Searing during his residence in Auburn identified 
himself with the First Presbyterian church and served as 
one of its trustees. He was a member of Auburn Lodge 
431, F. and A. M., and of Lodge474, B. P.O. Elks. He was 
also interested in and director of several corporations. As 
a citizen and companion there were few who were thought 
of more highly. He died March 26, 1907. 

ALONZO G. BEARDSLEY, ESQ. 

Alonzo G. Beardsley, lawyer and business man for more 
than half a century, was one of the active and potential 
figures in the affairs of Auburn. Mr. Beardsley was born 



262 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

in the town of Venice, July 11, 1820, and moved with his 
parents to Auburn in 1836. He received his education in 
Venice and Auburn. He read law with the Hon. John 
Porter and after being admitted to practice formed a 
copartnership with his preceptor and they carried on the 
law business together until 1848. By this time Mr. 
Beardsley's business connections had become so extensive 
that he abandoned the law and devoted himself wholly to 
the corporations and other enterprises in which he was 
interested. He was one of the organizers of the Oswego 
Starch Factory in 1848, and served as its secretary and 
treasurer for fifty years. In 1858 he, in company with 
C. S. Burtis and Franklin Sheldon, formed a company for 
the manufacture of mowers and reapers. This later was 
incorporated as the Cayuga Chief Manufacturing Com- 
pany. The company did a prosperous business, but some 
years later the plant was consolidated with the D. M. 
Osborne Company, Mr. Beardsley at that time becoming 
treasurer of the latter company. 

Mr. Beardsley was also one of the projectors of the 
Auburn Water Works Company and was one of the board 
of directors for forty years. He was a director in the 
Cayuga County National Bank and was actively interested 
in other institutions. Mr. Beardsley was a liberal man 
in matters of charity and in helpful works in the city. His 
many admirable qualities won the esteem and good will of 
the community. He died August 14, 1906. 

JOHN H. OSBORNE, ESQ. 

John H. Osborne was a son of John Hall and Caroline 
Buckley Osborne of Westchester County, N. Y. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 263 

Mr. Osborne was a man of very positive convictions 
and never lacked the courage to voice them or follow them 
up with action. In the slavery days, although a young 
man, he was active in the anti-slavery movement. He 
spent a considerable time in the southwestern states in the 
interest of the cause. Throughout his life he was aggres- 
sive and progressive. 

In 1865 Mr. Osborne became identified with the D. M, 
Osborne Company of Auburn and continued in this con- 
nection until a few years before his death. He, however, 
continued his activity in other things. He was a man of 
the highest character, of generous impulses and did much 
good in the community. He died August 16, 1911. 

HON. JOHN PORTER 

Hon. John Porter for more than half a century was one 
of the foremost members of the Cayuga County Bar. He 
was a native of Massachusetts and located in Auburn 
about 1812. He at once assumed a commanding position 
in his profession and in the community. In 1828 he was 
elected surrogate and served eight years. As early as 1821 
he was appointed district attorney and was in service 
until the time he was made surrogate. In 1843 Mr. Porter 
was elected to the state senate, serving three years. He 
was a law partner of Nelson Beardsley and Hon. B. F. Hall. 
He died in October, 1873. 

HON. THEODORE M. POMEROY 

Hon. Theodore M. Pomeroy, one of the distinguished 
residents of Auburn, was born at Cayuga, N. Y., December 



264 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

31, 1824. He was early sent to the Elbridge Institute, 
where he prepared for college. He then entered Hamilton 
college and graduated in 1842. 

After graduating Mr. Pomeroy became a student in the 
law office of William H. Seward in Auburn, and was 
admitted and began practice in 1846. He was appointed 
district attorney in 1850 and served until 1856, and the 
following year was elected member of Assembly. He 
made a good record in all these official positions. In 1860 
he was elected to Congress and served continuously four 
terms, or eight years. During his service he was a favorite 
candidate for speaker of the House and served for a short 
time with ability. During his service in Congress Mr. 
Pomeroy was chosen on some very important committees. 
He was at different times member of the committee on 
currency and banking, and the Post Office department. 
Mr. Pomeroy was a delegate to the Republican National 
Convention in 1876 and served as temporary chairman. 
In 1878 he was elected to the state Senate and remained 
two years. 

Mr. Pomeroy was an orator, a finished speaker and a 
man who commanded attention and the highest degree of 
respect. In his political life, as in his business life, his 
course was above unfavorable criticism. He was con- 
scientious and faithful. He was for many years a partner 
in the banking house of William H. Seward & Co., and was 
an active counsel for the American Express Company. He 
died March 23, 1905. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 265 

JOHN W. o'bRIEN, esq. 

John W. O'Brien, one of the most brilliant as well as one 
of the most popular members of the Cayuga County bar, 
was born in Auburn, October 13, 1853. He prepared for 
college in the Auburn city schools and graduated at 
Hamilton College in the class of 1873. 

After graduating, Mr. O'Brien became principal of the 
Griffith Institute at Springville, N. Y., where he remained 
two years. He then accepted the position of instructor in 
mathematics and ancient history in the Brooklyn Poly- 
technic Institute. At the close of one year, however, he 
entered the Columbia Law School and graduated in 1878 
and was admitted the same year. Mr. O'Brien then went 
to Colorado where he practiced three years, two years of 
which time he was prosecuting attorney. He achieved a 
name and high standing in the state. He returned to 
Auburn and formed a partnership with Hon. Sereno E. 
Payne, which continued until Mr. O'Brien's death in 1895. 
He served two terms as city attorney, was a member of the 
board of education, serving also as its president, and for 
several years was a lecturer on law in Hamilton College. 
Had Mr. O'Brien lived out a full life, unquestionably, he 
would have been one of the foremost lawyers of western 
New York. 

HON. BENJAMIN M. WILCOX 

Hon. Benjamin M. Wilcox was born in Fleming, Cayuga 
County, June 21, 1854. He was a son of Joseph and Lydia 
Martin Wilcox. Benjamin M. was a clerk in the office of 
D. M. Osborne & Company and subsequently a messenger 



266 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

boy in the County Clerk's office. When he became 
twenty-one he was appointed deputy County Clerk. In 
1882 he was elected County Clerk and served continuously 
three terms, or nine years. At the close of this service, 
he engaged in the manufacture of shoes. Meanwhile Mr. 
Wilcox was active in politics and in the Republican party. 
He was a hard worker, was popular and therefore was 
strong in the matter of party favor. He was elected to the 
State Senate and re-elected several times. He made a 
high record as a legislator and while there held many 
important positions on various committees. He retired 
from public life, however, and died in 1912. 

ANTHONY SHIMER 

Anthony Shimer was one of the very complex characters 
whose exact place in a community is difficult to define. 
He safely can be put down as a "retro-progressive" because 
he combined both of these hostile elements. He was 
progressive in the sense of industry and material gain, yet 
the opposite of progress in the sense of being a maker and 
builder. Mentally, Shimer was exclusive — he was in a 
class by himself. 

Shimer, in the forepart of his career, was a pack-peddler. 
He carried jewelry and traveled over the country and 
every night he saw to it that the day had produced a cash 
balance in his favor. He was shrewd, yet none ever 
charged him with being dishonest. If cash deals hap- 
pened to be slow, he would barter and dicker. He had 
the faculty, minus dishonest intent, of wheedling his cus- 
tomer into a desired deal. Thus, he made progress, in 
accumulation. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 267 

Mr, Shimer had some musical talent too. He could 
play an accordian with fetching effect. Once he stopped at 
a country house, it is said, and while there acted the part 
of Orpheus by playing some tunes on his instrument. 
The householder was fascinated with the melody and 
wished to possess it but the cash was not at hand. They, 
however, owned a yoke of oxen and so proposed a deal. 
Shimer finally consented to trade his twenty dollar accor- 
dian for the cattle. Then he immediately sold them for 
eighty dollars. This is an index to his manner of getting 
on in the world. 

Meanwhile, Shimer was buying real estate in the busi- 
ness section of Auburn and paying for it. He finally 
owned much property along Genesee street and upon the 
better side streets. But Shimer 's policy of handling realty 
was as unchangeable as the law of theMedes and Persians. 
Once he got a piece of property he never spent a dollar for 
improvements on it. So he owned many "rickety" and 
unsightly buildings that barred all real progress. He 
never gave a time lease of a building or store. If his 
tenant desired improvements made, he was at liberty to 
make them, but not Shimer. He owned a store on Clark 
street on which the tenant one time made notable improve- 
ments, whereupon, Shimer raised the rental, because, as he 
said, it was worth it. 

Shimer enjoyed hunting, and so in company with some 
of his friends he went one day duck shooting. At the end 
of the day's hunt, Shimer had no ducks and in an impulse 
of sympathy one of his companions, when they parted at 
the station on their return, gave him a pair, saying he knew 



268 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Shimer would like them for his supper. Shimer sold the 
ducks to a restaurant for fifty cents on the way up State 
street from the station. 

But this was his character. Shimer could not help it. 
Shimer was queer and a bar to progress, yet he had a keen 
sense of honor. On no account would he rent a building 
for the sale of intoxicating liquors; nor would he condone 
any manner of wrongdoing in one of his buildings for the 
sake of the rental. His personality and dress were as odd 
as were his manners and customs. When Shimer died 
Auburn lost an interrogation point. 



INDUSTRIES 



D. M. OSBORNE COMPANY 

The story of the D. M. Osborne Company has been told 
in considerable detail in connection with the sketch of its 
founder. 

When the business was started in 1858 the company was 
composed of D. M. Osborne, Cyrus C. Dennis and Charles 
P. Wood. In 1862 they took over the Cayuga Chief plant 
and it became a corporation with D. M. Osborne, presi- 
dent, Alonzo G. Beardsley, treasurer, and John H. Osborne 
secretary. In 1905, it became a part of the International 
Harvester Company. It now gives employment to nearly 
three thousand people in the various departments, and 
therefore, has a pay roll that contributes greatly to the 
thrift and stability of Auburn. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 269 

DUNN & MCCARTHY 

In 1889 Dunn & McCarthy purchased the Barber 
Woolen Company's buildings and began the manufacture 
of shoes. At first the output was not large but the busi- 
ness expanded until six or seven hundred people 
were employed. In point of product and volume of 
business, the company has been eminently successful. 
The company also has a similar plant at Binghamton, 
N. Y. 

NYE & WAIT COMPANY 

For a long period of time Messrs. Nye & Wait were 
manufacturers of ingrain carpets only. They built up a 
large business and their carpets were sold in all parts of 
the country. The almost universal adoption of rugs in 
place of carpets, however, in later years, made necessary a 
change in product. Therefore, the company began the 
manufacture of rugs and now has a great output of rugs 
in an almost endless variety of patterns. They began 
with eight looms and now have one hundred and fifty, the 
plant being equally well equipped in all other respects. 

During the first twelve years the product was sold 
through commission houses, but latterly the company sells 
its manufactured goods direct, having headquarters and 
salesroom in New York City. In 1889 it became a cor- 
poration with George H. Nye, president and treasurer; 
W. F. Wait, vice-president, and J. W. Anderson, secretary. 
It is a strong industry and gives employment to a large 
force of people. 

RICHARD ECCLES COMPANY 

The Eccles Company began business in 1880 and was 
incorporated in 1905. The company makes vehicle 



270 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

forgings and special drop forgings. It has been a success- 
ful company from the start. Richard Eccles is president 
and W. W. Eccles secretary and treasurer. 



THE COLUMBIAN ROPE COMPANY 

This industry was an outgrowth of the old D. M. 
Osborne Works. The president of the Columbian Rope 
Company, Mr. E. D. Metcalf, was formerly general 
manager of the D. M. Osborne Company and at the same 
time vice-president of the Rope Company. 

In 1903 when the International Harvester Co. purchased 
the D. M. Osborne Co., the Columbian Cordage Co., which 
was associated with the D. M. Osborne Co., was not 
included in the transfer. Messrs. Metcalf & Osborne then 
formed the new company to manufacture rope exclusively. 
The binder twine plant of the old Columbian Cordage Co., 
was taken over by the International Harvester Co. 

It was in August, 1903, when building operations were 
first commenced on the new mill at the far western end of 
the city. Until this time the grounds had been occupied 
by the County Fair. It was March, 1904, when the plant 
was sufficiently equipped to begin the making of rope. 
Office work was continued in the old quarters on Cottage 
street for a few months, but by the middle of June, 1904, 
the office was completed and ready for occupancy. The 
wisdom of its founders has been demonstrated during the 
past years, for the rope of the Columbian Rope Company 
is now known throughout the United States, and many 
shipments go abroad. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 271 

In March, 1907, another large mill was added to the 
plant, in which only the finest kinds of twines are manu- 
factured. This mill is now one of the largest of its kind in 
the country. 

The first buildings which were erected were devoted 
entirely to the manufacture of rope made from Manila and 
Sisal fibres. Manila fibre is a product of the Phillipine 
Islands, and has to be imported many months ahead from 
this far distant country. Sisal fibre, which is ordinarily 
known as a substitute for Manila, comes from the country 
of Yucatan. This is the only part of the world where Sisal 
fibre has been grown successfully, and in sufiicient quanti- 
ties to become a worthy competitor of Manila. 

In the second mill only what is termed soft fibres are 
used. These fibres consist of flax, hemp and jute. Flax 
comes from many of the European Nations, notably 
Russia, Belgium and Italy. Hemp is a product of Italy 
and to a limited extent most of the countries of Southern 
Europe, with a limited product in the United States. 

Jute fibre, used in the common grades of twine, is 
imported from India. The bales of fibre are stored in large 
fire-proof rooms, and are used as the demands of trade 
require. It is not unusual to have a hundred or more car- 
loads of raw material arrive within a space of two or three 
weeks. There is no Rope Walk connected with the^ Rope 
Company, for modern machinery has changed the old 
method of hand spinning and laying. Now instead of 
workmen walking backwards with a bundle of hemp, 
machines pull the fibre out smoothly, spin it into yarns and 
form it into rope. The rope is wound on reels as fast as 



272 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

made, thus doing away with the low building which for so 
many years was the typical construction of a rope plant. 
The finished product is shipped to every state in the Union 
and to many foreign countries. Shipments are made to 
South Africa, Asia Minor, Europe, South America, and 
even to the Island of the Pacific. 

The company was incorporated in 1903 with a capital of 
$1,000,000. It employs about one thousand people, and 
the annual pay roll (1912) was between $400,000 and 
$500,000. There are about fifteen acres of floor space and 
a power plant of both steam and electricity. Railroad 
connections consist of three private tracks. The company 
has large warehouses with selling offices in New York, 
Chicago and Boston. 

The officers are as follows: President, E. D. Metcalf; 
vice-president, T. M. Osborne; general manager, E. F. 
Metcalf; secretary and treasurer, F. M. Everett; assistant 
treasurer, H. G. Metcalf. 

E. D. CLAPP MFG. CO. 

The business of the E. D. Clapp Mfg. Co., which con- 
sists of the manufacture of drop forgings for carriages, 
automobiles and other lines of goods, was established in 
1864 by E. D. Clapp and Frederick Van Patten. The 
first factory was a building about thirty feet square, two 
stories high and attached to the Auburn City Flour Mills 
on Mechanic street. The articles manufactured were 
thill couplings and fifth wheels for carriages. The demand 
for these goods gradually increased and in the year 1869 
the company built a large brick factory on Water street. 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 273 

Here new lines of goods were added and business increased 
rapidly. This building proved inadequate to meet the 
demand of the increasing business and a large structure at 
the junction of Genesee and Division streets was erected in 
1874 and the machinery and office were removed in the 
summer of that year. Additional buildings were con- 
structed from time to time until the floor space occupied 
was about two acres. The business of making carriage 
forgings has been continued uninterruptedly since 1864 
and when bicycles began to be manufactured a consider- 
able portion of the capacity was employed for bicycle 
forgings. When the automobile business sprang up, 
automobile forgings were taken up and now constitute a 
considerable portion of the company's business. 

The E. D. Clapp Mfg. Co., one of the pioneer drop 
forging concerns of the country, has recently completed a 
series of comprehensive improvements in accordance with 
the most modern forging practice. The company's shops 
are located in the western section of Auburn, on a plot of 
land sufficiently large to allow for the erection of additional 
buildings whenever necessary. At present they occupy 
over two acres of floor space. 

The company, which virtually operates three depart- 
ments, devoted respectively to the carriage, automobile 
and general manufacturing trades, is entering on its forty- 
seventh year with excellent prospects and under the 
management of the same family by whom it was founded 
in 1864; the officers being Delamer E. Clapp, president 
and general manager; William S. Lee, vice-president and 
secretary; and E. Donaldson Clapp, treasurer and sales 
manager. 



274 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

THE EAGLE WAGON WORKS 

The Eagle Wagon Works was incorporated in 1905. 
The officers were : Frank E. Swift, president; Thomas M. 
Osborne, vice-president; Clarence F. Baldwin, treasurer; 
and Courtney C. Avery, secretary. 

The product of the company comprises dump wagons 
and dump boxes for farm wagons. It has been a success- 
ful industry from its start. The company now employs 
about one hundred men and the output is sold over the 
entire country. The tonnage of shipment at present is 
exceeded by very few manufacturing concerns in Auburn. 
In 1905 the Wagon Company moved to the Auburn 
Spring Company's building and at the same time it pur- 
chased the Parmelee Malt property and converted it into 
a factory. Owing to the increase in business the company 
also purchased the Auburn Hame Company's plant and 
since that another addition has been made to accommodate 
the growing business. 

D. WADS WORTH & SON 

The W^adsworth Manufacturing concern is one of the old 
industries of Auburn. In 1818 Joseph Wads worth began 
making scythes in Auburn. In 1829 he bought the 
property upon which the factory is now located. There 
was an old carding mill on the ground which was converted 
into a shop. He carried on the business until 1845, when 
David Wadsworth assumed control and did successful 
business until 1876, at which time, David Wadsworth, his 
son, became a partner under the name of D. Wadsworth & 
Son, the name it still bears, although David, the son, is 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 275 

now the sole proprietor. The plant now comprises a group 
of several large buildings, and a hundred men are employed 
in the industry. The Wadsworth scythes have a market 
in many countries of the world. The stamp of "D. 
Wadsworth & Son" is considered a guarantee of good 
goods. 

THE WEGMAN PIANO CO. 

The manufacture of the Wegman piano was begun in 
1887 in a small way, but the instrument proved to have 
merit and as it became known, the sales increased rapidly. 
The pianos now have a market throughout the United 
States and the Wegman is a well known and popular piano. 
In 1894 a corporation was formed at which time it became 
the Wegman Piano Company. William C. Burgess is 
secretary, treasurer and general manager. The company 
has a large factory on Logan street, where employment is 
given to nearly one hundred skilled workmen. 

THE AUBURN BUTTON ^VORKS 

The Auburn Button Works was established in 1876. It 
was then known as Woodruff's Button Factory. The name 
subsequently was changed as at present. The business is 
carried on by Mr. J. Hermon Woodruff. In addition to 
the original product of buttons, the plant turns out type- 
writer keys, gun buts and other specialties. The plant is 
very large and employs a large force of operators. 

AUBURN LEATHER GOODS CO. 

The Auburn|Leather Goods Company was formerly a 
part of the Auburn Leather and Brass Manufacturing 



276 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

Company. In 1907 the Leather Goods Company moved 
to quarters on Mill street, where ample room was acquired 
for the business. 

THE BOWEN MANUFACTURING CO. 

The Bowen Manufacturing Company became an 
Auburn industry in 1894. The business was carried on 
for several years in a part of the plant now occupied by the 
Richard Eccles Company. In 1906 the Bowen Company 
erected a large and adequate plant in Canal street, which 
has been their headquarters. The company makes oil 
cups, grease cups and steel stampings. It is a prosperous 
and substantial business. About one hundred and fifty 
men are employed. 

Quick & Thomas make pressed steel specialties. This 
covers a wide variety of articles in which the firm has made 
a profitable business. It is active and staple. 

The Lewis & Brister Mill on Genesee street at the outlet 
is one of the historic industries of Auburn, because it was 
on this site that Colonel Hardenburgh built his first little 
grist mill. In 1824 the present stone mill was erected and 
is still in operation. 

The Auburn Woolen Company also is one of the early 
established industries of the city. This enterprise has 
received mention in the preceding pages. It is a large 
plant and, although the ownership has passed to new 
hands from time to time, it has been an industry of much 
value to the city, employing usually about three hundred 
people. The plant recently was absorbed by a syndicate, 
which fact has materially lessened the working force and 
its production. 

RD 6 6 ' 



HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 277 

The Mcintosh & Seymour Company was established 
in 1886 and has been one of the very strong and successful 
industrial enterprises of the city. The company's product 
is a special compound, automatic, cut-off engine, which is 
an invention of Messrs. Mcintosh & Seymour. The 
engine is regarded as one of the most complete and perfect 
engine products in the country. The sale of the Mcintosh 
& Seymour engines is country wide. The company has a 
large plant, and employs about two hundred men. 

The Geiser Manufacturing Company builds road 
engines, gasoline engines and portable engines, also sta- 
tionery engines, steam plows, threshers, grain drills and 
corn-hullers. It is a prosperous company. 

The Firth Company manufacture axminster rugs. The 
company was organized in 1902 and has greatly expanded 
its plant and increased its business. The company recent- 
ly erected a large adjacent building in order to increase the 
working force to the limit of meeting the demand for its 
product. It gives employment to a large number of 
women and a considerable number of men. 

The Henry & Allen Company, manufacturers of agricul- 
tural implement supplies was incorporated in 1893. The 
company also makes drop forgings. It is an important 
industry and a factor in the industrial life of Auburn. 

THE MUNICIPALITY 

In speaking of the municipality, it is not irrelevant to go 
back to the celebration of July 4th, 1865, because this 
particular event surpassed and overshadowed all similar 
demonstrations in the history of Auburn. The celebration 



278 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 

of 1804 was a memorable one but the circumstances that 
inspired the latter event make it historical. 

The Civil War had come to a close and the whole popu- 
lace in consequence was a- tremble with happiness and 
exultation. This feeling was expressed in the demonstra- 
tion of the day. It opened with a salute of a hundred guns 
at sunrise and the exercises began by the singing of the 
national anthem by the Auburn Glee Club. Every 
fraternal organization and civic body in Auburn and the 
county was in line in the parade. Many soldiers had 
returned from the field of battle and naturally were the 
most conspicuous element in the day's doings. The city 
was profusely bedecked with flags and emblems. Tri- 
umphal arches vvere erected along the streets bearing the 
sentiments of the time as follows: "Welcome Conquering 
Heroes," "The only debt we never can pay — the debt to 
our soldiers," and many others. The Rev. Dr. Brainard 
read the Declaration of Independence and Governor 
Thomas G. Alward of Syracuse delivered the oration. The 
city literally was choked with people from every quarter 
of the county and there was no restraint placed on the 
enthusiasm or actions of the crowd. The demonstration 
constitutes an interesting bit of Auburn's history. 

Auburn today, with its strong and diversified manufac- 
turing industries, its public institutions, its great number 
of well paved and well kept streets, and a street car system 
almost unmatched by any city of the same class, together 
with its great number of substantial business men, has 
cause for no small degree of pride. It has builded well and 
achieved much in a hundred and twenty years. 







r Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 



V^ s . . '^ 

c> <i, ^■ijfif^M^i. - '^^ a'» Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide 

^ A^ * ^K% • X'o C^ Treatment Date: 

* ^V V-/ o , i V < PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES, L.P ' * 

rtV , *■ ' • ^ V5 « '^ c ° " ° t ^ " Thomson Park Drive 

(J^ i'i^/t7?Pr,'' ^ -i *.sf$^^ '' CranberryTovmship, PA 16066 










O. * o - o ' 







o 












